Leeds United produced a performance lacking energy and momentum, managing only a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace at Elland Road today.
Daniel Farke’s men poured cold water on the excitement Leeds fans felt after their scintillating 4-1 win over Newcastle United at home last week.
This game had none of the spark, energy, or sheer tenacity of that performance, as Leeds stumbled to a dire goalless draw against a Palace side that had conceded 11 goals in four league games ahead of the Elland Road trip.
The Eagles would be more than happy to leave Leeds with a point and a clean sheet. However, Palace boss Pierre Sage has given a different interpretation of his side.
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Palace boss feels they could have won at Leeds
The Frenchman was under pressure ahead of the Leeds game and should be happy that his team earned a point and a clean sheet at Elland Road.
He is proud of the performance his players produced. However, Sage conceded that if they had been more clinical, Palace could and should have won.
The Palace boss feels the performance deserved more than just a point against Leeds.
“We played a good game and had a good performance”, Sage said after the game.
“Maybe we deserved better, but I remember our keeper making a good save.
“In football, when you have the opportunity, you have to score, but today it was not the case.
“But I am really proud of the performance of my players.”
Pierre Sage has probably saved his job with the result
The Palace boss was under immense pressure just six games into his reign at Selhurst Park ahead of today’s Leeds clash.
A win over Lech Poznan on Thursday did little to improve his standing after three defeats in four league games and 11 goals conceded.
Steve Parish was seriously considering sacking him during the international break if he could have lined up a proper replacement.
However, a draw and a clean sheet at Elland Road will buy him more time at Palace, and he is likely to be in the dugout after the break next month.
Wow, how deluded is this columnist, lol. We were without doubt the better team for majority of this game and the team on the front foot trying to win the game.