Daniel Farke Gives Verdict On Crystal Palace Draw As Leeds Head Into International Break Unbeaten

Leeds United head into the first international break of the 2026/27 season unbeaten after collecting nine points from their opening five Premier League matches.

The Whites were unable to find a way past Crystal Palace at Elland Road on Sunday, with the two sides playing out a goalless draw in the final Premier League fixture before the September break.

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While Leeds were unable to produce the same attacking fluency that had been evident during their impressive victory over Newcastle United earlier in the week, Daniel Farke was pleased with the way his side responded to a difficult afternoon and ensured they did not leave Elland Road empty handed.

The Leeds head coach admitted there were mixed emotions after the final whistle, with the desire to win every game balanced against the importance of maintaining the unbeaten run.

"Like always, a bit mixed emotions after the game," Farke told the media.

"Of course, we would have preferred to win this game, there is no doubt about it.

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"We play each game in order to win it. But reality is it is not 38 magic nights under floodlights, champagne football and you overrun the opponent and you score goals for fun.

"Sometimes it is also when you have to dig in."

Farke felt Sunday's match was one of those occasions where Leeds had to show a different side to their game.

The Whites were unable to consistently break down a well-organised Palace defence, but the manager was pleased with the resilience his players showed to preserve their clean sheet and avoid suffering their first defeat of the campaign.

"It was one of those games with many things I liked," he added.

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"I liked that we extended our unbeaten run, I liked our clean sheet and I liked that if we then also can't win a game, we showed that attitude that, okay, at least we don't lose it.

"We fight for each and every point, and we try to dig in."

There was, however, a clear acknowledgement from Farke that Leeds were below their best with the ball.

The Whites struggled to create the same level of attacking momentum seen in recent matches, with Palace's structure making it difficult for the hosts to find openings.

"I think offensive-wise, football-wise, it was definitely not our best game today," Farke admitted. "We were a bit too loose with the ball.

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"We didn't move the ball quick enough, more or less from side to side, because credit to Crystal Palace, they were well-structured and difficult to open and defended really well."

Palace arrived at Elland Road having already shown their defensive qualities in the opening weeks of the campaign, while also balancing their Premier League commitments with European and cup football.

Farke therefore felt Leeds needed to be particularly disciplined in possession if they were going to find a way through the visitors.

"They have shown the signs, more or less, also in their last games on Premier League level and also in Europe and in the cup," he said.

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"In such a game, you have to be really tight on the ball and especially in the opponent's half.

"You have to make sure that you don't lose it and this is what we did."

Ultimately, despite the frustration of failing to claim all three points on home soil, Farke viewed the result as another valuable addition to Leeds' tally.

The Whites have now taken nine points from their first five matches, remain unbeaten and have conceded just one goal in their opening five league fixtures.

"For that, mixed emotions," Farke concluded. "You have to say it is also a good and valuable point."

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