LONDON, April 26: Leeds moved five points clear of the relegation zone by drawing at Crystal Palace 0-0 in the English Premier League.
The team coached by American Jesse Marsch has been sucked back into the relegation fight by the improved form of Burnley and has some tough opponents among its remaining five games, starting with Manchester City at the weekend and followed by Arsenal and Chelsea.
So every point could be crucial, and it was earned after Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta wasted the best of the chances, failing to really test Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier. Palace was able to bring an end to its three-match losing streak in all competitions but are 14th.
Marsch and Palace manager Patrick Vieira faced each other nine times while in charge of New York Red Bulls and New York City, respectively, and the games were often fiery. The one at Selhurst Park also had its moments of tension just before the break.
Palace had the first opportunity of the match with a long, direct ball over the top to Mateta, who chipped the ball over Meslier. Diego Llorente was able to get back and clear.
Leeds had to scramble the ball away in the 15th when Conor Gallagher cleverly picked out Jordan Ayew, who passed toward the back post, but Mateta was not able to get there and slot home.
Leeds had to wait until the 27th for its first corner, and the ball fell to Liam Cooper but his effort was straight at Vicente Guaita.
After a lackluster opening 45 minutes, Leeds had an opportunity at the start of the second half when Stuart Dallas picked out Raphinha on the wing, and the Brazilian cut inside but took too long trying to take his shot, which deflected wide. (AP)
