If avoiding relegation means rolling up your sleeves and fighting for everything, then according to this proof, Leeds should succeed.
A second straight goal on the road brought Jesse Marsh a point that could prove invaluable. It was definitely not a good night when morals fell apart on both sides, although as Crystal Palace now came even closer to asserting its Premier League status for another season, there was no reason for Patrick Vieira to complain. , except perhaps the following below – nominal presentation of the referee.
It’s been 16 days since Leeds beat Watford in their last game, but Burnley’s resurgence following Sean Deitch’s dismissal meant it was an opportunity to avoid being drawn into the relegation battle. Marsh managed to name Calvin Phillips in his starting lineup for the first time, as the England midfielder returned with the long-awaited return from a hamstring injury he received in December.
Phillips ‘absence for so long did not help Leeds’ predicament, although Marsh’s return of 11 points from seven games – and now five games without a loss – after Marcelo Bielsa took over in late February eased some of the pressure. Leeds created a five-point cushion for Everton in the last period of the season, although they played a game more.
“The result is great – every point is important and brings us closer to our ultimate goal,” admitted Marsh, former manager of RB Leipzig, who described his next opponents Manchester City as the best team in the world after facing them earlier this season in the group stages of the Champions League. “Calvin’s return can really help us.”
The American shared a warm hug with Vieira before starting, after having previously clashed with the Palace manager while in charge of the New York Red Bulls and New York City in MLS, respectively, although he probably did not mention that the last two meetings ended in won 4-0 for the March. Palace seemed determined to recover from a disappointing three-game losing streak, including Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final loss after scoring seven unanswered goals against Arsenal and Everton in their last two games here.
Jean-Philippe Mateta had previously looked after a long pass, but his lob over Ilan Meslie had no strength, while stretching Diego Llorente did enough to deny the Frenchman after an annoying cross from Jordan Ayu.
While traveling fans expressed disappointment with the decision to schedule this match for one night, when there were no trains from London back to Yorkshire, they had nothing to excite them on the field until Liam Cooper’s header from Jack Harrison’s corner went straight. in the arms of Vicente Guita in the 27th minute.
Crystal Palace could not find a way past Ilan Meslier and the determined defense of Leeds. Photo: Tony Aubrey / Reuters
Facing a potential contender for a place in England at the World Cup in the incessant Connor Gallagher, Phillips was one of three Leeds players who avoided being warned by referee Darren England for fouls against Wilfried Zaha in the first half – decisions that were not I’m not doing well with the Côte d’Ivoire striker and the supporters of the hosts.
Luke Eyling was particularly lucky to escape after two fouls against him and part of Zaha’s disappointment seemed to boil when he raised his hands to Rafinha, although the Brazilian certainly made the most of the opportunity to throw himself on the ground and had no punishment. Joachim Andersen finally became the first player to receive a yellow card just before half time, when England left the field under a chorus of boos from fans of the Palace.
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“Wilf has shown a lot of maturity to keep his composure,” admitted Vieira, who believes his team deserves all three points. “The only thing missing was a goal.” His side conceded a goal in the first half at home after losing to Liverpool on January 23, but Palace was barely caught napping on the restart as Leeds continued to attack.
The hosts certainly seemed more inclined to grab the victory after France’s under-21 striker Michael Olise was brought in from the bench late, with Gallagher’s penalty shootouts against Lorente being properly dismissed by the VAR. The Spaniard received a yellow card for pulling Zaha back before the Palassa striker forced Meslie to make a double save with his feet on a nearby post, while the Frenchman stood firm again when Gallagher was set up with brilliant skill by Olize to make sure Leeds leaving South London feels quite pleased with themselves.
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