Leeds United left Selhurst Park with a point, a clean sheet, and a whole lot of frustration but also proof that they’ve finally learned to dig deep .
The 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace was hardly a classic. Both managers shared a joke at half time about it being a “miserable watch” . But for Leeds, playing the entire second half with 10 men , this could be a galvanising result.
THE RED CARD
Gabriel Gudmundsson’s sending off was harsh. Very harsh. Referee Thomas Bramall had already booked the Swedish defender earlier in the game, but seemingly forgot when he showed a second yellow for a foul, he didn’t realise it was a second until it was too late .
What also seemed apparent: Bramall might not have given the booking anyway if Palace hadn’t broken through on goal when he blew up. It’s not too much of a claim to suggest he felt he had to show a card to justify his decision .
Palace duo Jaydee Canvot and Maxence Lacroix celebrated the red card like they’d scored a screamer. Tasteless, says the Leeds camp.
THE PENALTY MISS
Dominic Calvert Lewin will be having nightmares about this one. A saved penalty can be forgiven. Not hitting the target? That’s borderline unacceptable .
The striker held his head in his hands after dragging his spot kick wide. Ethan Ampadu rushed over to embrace him immediately the kind of team mate reaction that matters.
Calvert Lewin is a confident character, but he could have done without needing to respond to a setback at this point in the season. Lukas Nmecha might be on spot kicks from now on.
THE DIGGING DEEP
Here’s the thing: Leeds have had to sit in before, but have often fallen foul of a late goal . Not this time. With 10 men, they stretched their unbeaten away run to six in all competitions and four in the league .
A clean sheet for the first time since the win over Fulham two months ago . A point on the road in testing circumstances. That’s progress.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Leeds remain three points off the drop zone . Nottingham Forest drew at home to Fulham. Tottenham’s draw at Liverpool might yet work in their favour if Spurs decide not to replace loose cannon Igor Tudor.
Daniel Farke’s side have their destiny in their own hands. Eight games left. A home night game against Brentford next.
If this scenario was offered back in August, Leeds would have taken it. And here we are.
