Leeds United moved a step closer to Premier League survival with a hard-fought goalless draw at Crystal Palace, a result manager Daniel Farke described as 'priceless'. Despite having Gabriel Gudmundsson sent off in first-half stoppage time, Leeds held firm to earn a point that could prove crucial in their relegation battle.
The match was marred by a bizarre refereeing incident when official Thomas Bramall initially forgot that Gudmundsson had already been booked before showing a second yellow card for a foul on Ismaila Sarr. The Sweden defender was eventually dismissed after Sarr reminded the referee of the earlier caution. Palace defender Jaydee Canvot was seen pumping his fist in delight when the red card was finally produced.
Leeds had earlier missed a golden chance to take the lead when Dominic Calvert-Lewin dragged a penalty wide after Will Hughes had handled inside the area. The visitors had been the better side up to that point, with Calvert-Lewin also seeing two headers from corners saved by goalkeeper Walter Benítez, with replays suggesting the ball had crossed the line on the first occasion.
Despite being a man down for the entire second half, Leeds defended resolutely and limited Palace to few clear-cut chances. Brennan Johnson was fortunate to escape a red card himself, while Jefferson Lerma had a goal ruled out for offside by millimetres. Farke praised his players as 'heroes', saying: 'It was another day when I trust these players with my life because I can always count on them.'
Palace manager Oliver Glasner admitted his side's lack of cutting edge is a concern, saying: 'We are not the biggest goalscoring machine in the Premier League. It is an issue, we know.' The Eagles have now been held to goalless draws in their last two home games, prompting some boos from the home fans at full time.
