Leeds stay unbeaten as Palace earn first clean sheet in Elland Road draw
Leeds United stayed fifth and unbeaten in the Premier League after a goalless draw with Crystal Palace at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke's Leeds could not turn pressure into goals on Sunday 20 September 2026. Palace held firm for a point heading into the international break. The Guardian
It was Palace's first clean sheet, conceding no goals, of the league season. That mattered. They had let in at least twice in each of their opening four games before travelling north.
Leeds had scored in every league game until this one. This time the chances would not fall. Palace stayed compact. Elland Road waited for a winner that never came.
The closest thing to a goal came from Tyrick Mitchell. He put the ball in the net for Palace, but the effort was ruled out. VAR, the video assistant referee who checks key decisions on replay, spotted Anan Khalaili was offside in the buildup.
There was a new face in the middle. Adam Herczeg made his Premier League refereeing debut. He made one call that raised eyebrows, awarding Leeds a corner after Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez took too long to release the ball. Goalkeepers are allowed only a few seconds to distribute.
The game had its edge. Ao Tanaka of Leeds and Adam Wharton of Palace were both booked.
The fixture kicked off at 2pm at Elland Road in Leeds, West Yorkshire. Leeds United It was listed for coverage on Sky Sports, with live audio commentary also available on Palace TV+. Palace wore their red and blue striped change strip for the afternoon. Crystal Palace
Palace had arrived smarting. Manager Pierre Sage had said before the trip that his side wanted to avenge their late defeat against Ipswich.
What makes this stand out is what both sides kept. Leeds kept their unbeaten start. Fifth at the break is a strong place for a newly settled side. Palace kept something just as useful. A first clean sheet can settle a defence quickly.
For fans, this means patience. Leeds did not score, but they did not lose. Palace did not win, but they found some solidity. The table will wait two weeks. The mood in both cities can travel with that.
