Glenn Murray was Crystal Palace's saviour once more as Crystal Palace avoided a throwaway defeat to Leeds United this afternoon.
Top scorer Murray got both of Palace's goals either side of a quickfire Steve Morison brace for the visitors.
Here, Sports Mole looks over an entertaining draw at Selhurst Park.
Match statistics:
Palace:
Shots 17
On target 7
Possession 56%
Corners 4
Fouls 8
Leeds:
Shots 11
On target 6
Possession 44%
Corners 4
Fouls 12
Was the result fair?
Not particularly, no. Bar a 10-minute spell when Leeds struck twice, Palace were electric going forward and should have been more than one ahead when Morison netted his first. They could have easily lost the match after some slack defending allowed Morison a second but they were all over Leeds straight away and once again had Murray to thank for saving the day.
Palace's performance
As mentioned, the Eagles were engrossing to watch on the attack. Murray is the spearhead of a wonderfully varied attack that Wilfried Zaha regularly lights up with his quick feet and accurate crossing. Stephen Dobbie is also excellent in supporting from midfield. However, the reason they have not taken three points from the game was their sloppiness in allowing Paddy Kenny's long kick to go over everyone before Morison volleyed home.
Leeds's performance
The Whites in fact began very well but they were soon chasing Palace over the pitch as Zaha, his opposite winger Yannick Bolasie and Dobbie took hold of the game. Palace's first was somewhat fortunate in that Jonathan Williams's cross hit his own standing leg and ballooned over Kenny for Murray to nod home unmarked at the back post. The defending for Murray's second will also displease manager Neil Warnock as Murray should never have been allowed to volley a 50-60 yard crossfield pass. One encouraging note for Warnock will be the intelligent link-up play between Morison and Ross McCormack.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Stephen Dobbie: Neither man who scored a brace gets this award today as it goes to Dobbie for his lung-busting performance in midfield. The Palace number 11 was unfortunate on numerous occasions not to find the net.
Biggest gaffe
Has to go to Luke Varney for his absolutely horrendous dive midway through the second half. Thankfully referee Dean Whitestone didn't award a penalty and booked the Leeds forward, who moments later would set up Morison's second.
Referee performance
Whitestone had a strong game all around. Gladly he wasn't fooled by Varney's tumble and was probably right to blow the whistle just as Palace had earned a corner because the four minutes had passed.
What next?
Palace: Next up for the Eagles is a trip to rivals Brighton next Sunday.
Leeds: Warnock's men also have a local derby as they welcome Huddersfield to Elland Road on Saturday lunchtime.
Pascal Lemesre
