Adam Wharton believes Crystal Palace earned a valuable point from their goalless draw with Leeds United at Elland Road, with the midfielder praising the team’s determination and defensive organisation.
Wearing the captain’s armband in Dean Henderson’s absence, Wharton was part of a hard-working Palace side that covered significant ground to frustrate their hosts. The result also gave the Eagles their first Premier League clean sheet of the season.
Palace improved with the ball after the interval, moving it with greater purpose and creating the better opportunities as the match progressed. The game remained closely contested, though, and Wharton felt either side could have taken all three points before Palace settled for one.
A key part of the visitors’ defensive plan was limiting the influence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Wharton highlighted the aggression of Palace’s centre-backs, who worked to prevent the Leeds forward from gaining momentum or holding the ball up effectively.
The midfielder also pointed to Palace’s ability to keep possession higher up the pitch and remain compact without it. He felt the side looked more cohesive under their new manager, while stressing that further improvement would take time. After also recording a clean sheet in midweek, Palace head into the September international break with another positive defensive display and a point to show for their efforts.
