Leeds United vs Crystal Palace - Post-Match Analysis

Pre-match predictions were inevitably, after the slaughtering of the Geordies, in Leeds' favour - 3-1, 3-2, 4-1. I, personally, had my sights set on a more realistic scoreline based on another round of unpredictable PL games this weekend.

We're back! And after an enthralling MNF tie against Newcastle midweek, Leeds were back in action against a Crystal Palace side who, after a great few years, an FA Cup and a European trophy, were one of the bookies' favourites for the drop. Football's a wonderful game.

Leeds fans, being as fickle as we all are, now had extremely high expectations for today's game and for the season. Anything less than a win and a mirrored performance of Monday's win wasn't going to sit nicely with the quieter-than-usual sell-out crowd.

The game was scrappy from minute one and Leeds had the first sight of goal when an Anton Stach free-kick was well blocked by the wall - you can see where this report is going. Don't worry, it gets more interesting. A Tarik Muharemovic header went over a few minutes later.

Every Leeds fan attending the game today will know it was missing any excitement, enthusiasm and/or anything to really cheer about, but Leeds were working hard to find ways to break Palace down. Muharemovic and Nico Elvedi were utilising Jaden Bogle and Noah Okafor on the wings, but Palace's bus was well placed.

The away side did remain a constant threat on the break, looking to exploit the space in behind whenever Leeds pushed forward. They had a chance to take the lead through Jørgen Strand Larsen half an hour in, but his shot was well blocked on the edge of the area.

Leeds had a half-chance before the break when an Anton Stach corner was fired over by Ao Tanaka. In-form Okafor was working hard down the left but struggling to find any joy getting past a resolute Palace defence.

Patience is a virtue. I'm no longer dizzy.

With low expectations, the second half started more brightly - unfortunately for the Whites, it was for their opponents. They came out on the front foot and Trafford was called into action within the first few minutes of the second half. Palace won a free-kick on the edge of the box and the low effort from Yeremy Pino was well saved to his right. Palace had another chance minutes later when Kamada found himself in space 20 yards from goal, but he fired his effort wide. The 'bus' might have moved slightly.

Palace kept pushing and the breakthrough came and went 52 minutes in, Pino again being the creator. Wing-back Khalaili was played through down the right; his attempt to find Jørgen Strand Larsen was well blocked but fell into the path of Tyrick Mitchell, who finished past Trafford. Fortunately, Khalaili was deemed to be in an offside position when the through ball was played and the goal was disallowed. Correct decision by VAR and maybe some much-needed defensive points gained for my Fantasy League side - McAwoyini Cheese.

The game was on a knife-edge and Leeds were still working hard to break down the deep Palace back ten. Bogle, who had looked dangerous from the start, was again causing Palace issues. He pirouetted around two before delivering a defence-splitting cross into Calvert-Lewin, his effort was well saved by Palace keeper Walter Benítez. The England striker having Leeds' best chance of the game and, as in-form as he is, should have scored with his eyes closed.

Kamada saw a late header drift narrowly wide soon after, but a draw was a fair result based on the game's limited chances. Leeds have always struggled against teams that come to Elland Road playing for a respectable point and today was no exception. Biases aside, after a strong second-half performance from the away side, Leeds were lucky to come away with a point.

With the longest international break on record pending, the Gunners are next up for Leeds at the Emirates. I'd be more worried if Brighton hadn't just played them off the park. But last season's 9-0 over two games is not to be ignored. A disappointing day for the Whites, but let's not be cynical - Leeds go into the break undefeated.

A draw's a win.

LEEDS UNITED 0-0 CRYSTAL PALACE

Premier League | Elland Road | 20 September 2026

Leeds XI:
Trafford; Bogle, Justin, Muharemovic, Elvedi, Gudmundsson; Ampadu (C), Stach, Tanaka; Okafor, Calvert-Lewin.

Leeds Subs Used:
67' James Bogle
67' Aaronson Tanaka
76' Nmecha Okafor
90+1' Bahoya Gudmundsson

Crystal Palace XI:
Benítez; Tomiyasu, Richards, Canvot, Khalaili, Timber, Wharton, Mitchell, Pino, Kamada, Strand Larsen.

Palace Subs Used:
HT Lerma Tomiyasu
81' Sarr Pino
81' Nketiah Strand Larsen

Goals: None
Disallowed Goal: Mitchell 52' (offside/VAR)

Bookings:
Leeds - Bogle 38', Tanaka 62'
Palace - Wharton 64', Pino 81', Lerma 90+3'

Match Stats:
Possession: Leeds 51% - 49% Palace
Shots: Leeds 13 - 12 Palace
Shots on target: Leeds 2 - 4 Palace
Corners: Leeds 4 - 3 Palace
Saves: Leeds 5 - 2 Palace
Fouls: Leeds 10 - 11 Palace