Chris Sutton has claimed during co-commentary that Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch was fuming with Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha during the first half of Monday’s 0-0 draw – for an incident in the first half.
Leeds came into the match having won 10 points from a possible 12, while Palace have lost their last three. But it was the home side that had the best chances and utterly dominated the second half – Leeds, though, held firm.
Some brilliant defensive performances, among those Luke Ayling and Liam Cooper, as well as a few saves from Illan Meslier, saw Marsch’s side keep a second consecutive free-kick. Zaha, unsurprisingly, was involved heavily.
During the first half, he was challenged by Raphinha and used his hand to get away from the Brazilian – making contact with the latter’s face. Raphinha went down, theatrically, and Marsch was not happy.
Chris Sutton, who was at the game as a co-commentator for BBC Radio 5 Live: “Marsch is really upset with Zaha’s antics. He [Raphinha] throws himself to the floor. There’s contact, does he need to go down so easily?”
Sutton on Marsch: Could Leeds point save them from relegation?
While Marcelo Bielsa’s side might have scored at Palace, the chances are they might have conceded two or three. Marsch has added a bit of bite, a bit of nastiness. Defensively, Leeds were excellent – two clean sheets in a row.
It does take Leeds five points clear of Everton, who have a game in hand and perhaps crucially, three above Burnley. But what will please Marsch, is Leeds look more streetwise, a bit nastier, a bit more defensively sound.
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