Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has every right to be disappointed with his players’ performance in the 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace.
The Whites came into the game after a scintillating win over Newcastle United and faced a Palace side that had lost three of their opening four league games, conceding eleven goals in that period.
However, Leeds produced a lethargic performance that lacked energy and probably only deserved a point at home, despite their good start to the season.
Palace had a goal disallowed for offside, but they were more than happy to leave Elland Road with a 0-0 draw after the sort of defensive run they were in before the game.
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Daniel Farke reveals the dressing room atmosphere after the game
The Leeds manager has revealed the players were extremely unhappy in the dressing room after the game and know they squandered their chances going into the international break in third.
Farke insisted the players needed an arm around their shoulders after the game, but said he didn’t mince words about their mistakes.
He wants to look at the bad picture and stressed that nine points from five games and an unbeaten start is remarkable for Leeds at this stage of the season.
Farke told reporters after the game: “They were disappointed they didn’t win it and went third.
“My lads dream big. Needed an arm around the shoulder.
“Some criticism on things we could do better, but didn’t lose sight of the big picture. Nine points, top defensive behaviour, unbeaten- it’s remarkable.”
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A reality check for Leeds
Leeds lacked their usual intensity at Elland Road and struggled to build any real momentum throughout the afternoon.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin had one excellent opportunity, but aside from that, Leeds rarely looked able to create a clear opening in front of goal. Palace were comfortable for long spells and did not have to withstand the kind of pressure they might have expected before kick-off.
The visitors did have the ball in the net, but VAR correctly ruled it out for offside. Even so, Palace will have few complaints about leaving Elland Road with a point and will probably view it as a well-earned result.
For Leeds, it was a timely reality check. They remain unbeaten, but this performance showed they still have plenty of work to do before they can genuinely establish themselves as a top-half Premier League side.
That was terrible to watch, more like a bunch of five year olds running around continually giving the ball away, undone all the good results, this on paper should have been three points, Farke needs a talking to as well, the one glimmer was Bahoya given a paltry two minutes, the whole team seemed dis jointed!