Leeds held by Palace as Trafford shines, Bahoya cameo and Gruev welcomed back | OneFootball

Leeds United enter the extended international break still unbeaten after a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace at Elland Road. They could not find a way through but stayed solid at the back.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, nobody truly stood out for Leeds, though Tarik Muharemovic impressed in defence. The stalemate delivered a third clean sheet of the season for James Trafford, two in the league and one in the Carabao Cup. The record signing was rarely busy but made a fine stop from Yeremy Pino’s free-kick to secure the point.

Daniel Farke turned to Aaronson and James on 67 minutes, withdrawing Jayden Bogle and Ao Tanaka, but both struggled to make headway. Lukas Nmecha replaced Noah Okafor with 14 minutes left. Deadline day signing Jean Matteo-Bahoya arrived on 90 minutes, showed pace and skill in a brief cameo, and surely he must now jump up the pecking order after the break.

Before kick-off, Tanaka warmed with the three centre-backs, Nico Elvedi, Tarik Muharemovic and James Justin, hinting at a very deep role. His personal drill saw him punt the ball high, check both shoulders, then bring it under control and repeat.

Among the crowd were Luke Humphries, John Richardson and actor Matthew Lewis, with former midfielder David Prutton also in attendance. Ilia Gruev returned to a matchday squad for the first time since a meniscus knee injury, taking the injured Harry Wilson’s place on the bench, and received applause and chants of his name as he warmed up. His deal runs out next summer and he remains a popular figure.

Palace’s French boss Pierre Sage wrestled with his English in the press room, attempting a familiar phrase that did not quite land, but he praised Leeds and the Elland Road atmosphere, winning a few admirers.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk

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