Crystal Palace held unbeaten Leeds United to a goalless draw at Elland Road, securing a valuable point after a much-improved defensive performance under Pierre Sage.
The result moved Palace one point clear of the relegation zone heading into the three-week international break, while Leeds were unable to build on their impressive 4-1 victory over Newcastle.
Palace had conceded 11 goals in their first four Premier League matches and had allowed two or more in each of their previous 10 games. They were far more disciplined here, keeping Leeds at bay before becoming the more threatening side after half-time.
Palace frustrate Leeds at Elland Road
Leeds had the first clear opening when Jorgen Strand Larsen was played through by Quinten Timber, but Tarik Muharemovic made a timely tackle to prevent a shot.
Ao Tanaka then fired over from close range after a long throw created danger in the Palace area, while Strand Larsen, Timber and Adam Wharton all saw efforts blocked as the visitors began to apply pressure before the interval.
Palace thought they had taken the lead eight minutes after the restart. Tyrick Mitchell finished from Anan Khalaili’s cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review which confirmed Khalaili had strayed beyond the last defender in the build-up.
Leeds’ best opportunity came soon afterwards. James Justin’s cross found Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who had scored in each of his previous five Premier League home games, but Walter Benitez produced an excellent reaction save to deny him.
Palace appealed for a penalty when Daichi Kamada went down under pressure from Ethan Ampadu, although the referee waved away the claims.
The visitors continued to threaten late on. Wharton released Ismaila Sarr with a clever pass, only for Justin to recover and make an important intervention. Eddie Nketiah then broke clear after being found by Wharton but chose to square for Sarr, allowing Muharemovic to make another crucial recovery.
Leeds introduced attacking players and changed shape in search of a winner, but could not find a way through a Palace defence which had finally secured a clean sheet.
The draw leaves Sage with a platform to build on after a difficult opening month. Palace can take encouragement from their defensive resilience and their second-half threat, while Leeds will reflect on a flat attacking display after scoring 12 goals across their previous five home league matches.
