Leeds United fans will have very mixed opinions on what happened at Selhurst Park on Sunday. In a game that carried a lot of weight in the Whites’ season, the ending was not as expected.
With the way the first half went, there was a lot of optimism that Daniel Farke’s men would have gotten something out of the game. Crystal Palace were put on the back foot in the first half, but like in recent games, Leeds failed to capitalize. Dominic Calvert-Lewin had a huge opportunity to put the away side in front, but he missed from the penalty spot.
And the Whites were down to 10 men just minutes later when Gabriel Gudmundsson was given a second yellow card.
BBC pundit gives verdict on Leeds United result
Leeds United managed to ride the storm, playing the whole of the second half with 10 men and still managing to get a draw. Former Premier League goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, who was on punditry duty on the BBC, said that Daniel Farke’s side would be happier with the result. He also said Palace were not good enough to win.
”Crystal Palace were lacking that cutting edge in the end. Their deliveries into the box weren’t great. They didn’t create enough for a side who had a numerical advantage.”
”Overall, Leeds will be really happy with picking up a point at a crucial stage of the season. They managed the game really well.”
Daniel Farke got his tactics spot on
Schwarzer is completely right; before and after the red card, there was nothing to show that Oliver Glasner’s side created enough to win the game. The home side only came to life in the second half when Leeds United were down to 10 men and even then, they failed to create any danger. Palace were limited to set pieces, corners and throw-ins for most of the night.
| Minute | Situation | xG |
|---|---|---|
| 6′ | Free kick | 0.07 |
| 22′ | Corner | 0.04 |
| 27′ | Set piece | 0.05 |
| 27′ | Throw-in | 0.13 |
| 49′ | Open play | 0.04 |
| 70′ | Throw-in | 0.01 |
| 71′ | Corner | 0.04 |
| 71′ | Corner | 0.02 |
| 77′ | Corner | 0.04 |
| 84′ | Set piece | 0.02 |
| 87′ | Corner | 0.11 |
| 96′ | Open play | 0.11 |
Daniel Farke has to be given the credit for this result; aside the tactics, his changes at half-time were brilliant. It helped the team shut up shop for the rest of the game and Crystal Palace could not do anything about it. Getting draws away to Chelsea, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace in successive games is a great achievement – hopefully it can guarantee safety.
