VAR took centre stage at Elland Road today as Leeds United faced a struggling Crystal Palace side in a Premier League clash that ended 0-0.
Leeds and Palace clashed in Yorkshire today as two sides in contrasting form met in a big game with real consequences.
The Whites were expected to blow away a Palace side struggling for form. However, the away side stood up and produced a far better performance than anyone expected.
Leeds huffed and puffed, and the performance fell far short of the scintillating show they produced in the 4-1 win over Newcastle United at Elland Road last Monday night.
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Palace thought they had taken a shock lead when Tyrick Mitchell scored in the second half, but their celebrations were cut short just a couple of minutes later.
A VAR check on the goal found that Palace wing-back Anan Khalaili was offside during the build-up, and the goal was disallowed.
It was a close call, but the Premier League has explained the decision and why Palace were denied the opening goal.
The Premier League explained the decision: “VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and determined that Khalaili was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was disallowed.”
It was a major let-off for Leeds, who would have had a big job to do to come back in the game if Palace had something to protect in the last 30 minutes.
Daniel Farke would be disappointed with the performance
Leeds were overwhelming favourites to beat Palace at home today after the way they dismantled Newcastle United on Monday night.
But the performance was a far cry from how Leeds looked that night, and they seemed a bit off it against Palace.
The away side produced a solid performance and did well to limit Leeds’ chances. But the latter struggled to create enough clear-cut opportunities.
Leeds had a chance to show that they could build on what they did against Newcastle, but ultimately proved that there is still a lack of consistency in the team.
Farke would hope that the players return from the international break and fit and ready to find their best form and go on another good run.
