Patrick Vieira has praised Leeds United’s ‘very aggressive’ style of play following the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace. Both sides gave their all in a feisty affair Down Under, with the Australian referee brandishing several yellow cards - including to Jesse Marsch.
Rodrigo’s second-half penalty was cancelled out by Jean Phillipe Mateta and a hard-fought but scrappy affair at the Optus Stadium - a multi-sport pitch that showed plenty of signs of wear and tear.
Marsch’s side showed much of the same promise as during the games against Brisbane Roar and Aston Villa, pressing high up the pitch and building well from the back. But they once again lacked the precision needed in the final third. And Palace boss Vieira warned fellow Premier League teams that they will need to be sharp against this ‘very aggressive’ side.
READ MORE: Jesse Marsch's first words on Palace draw, pre-season progress and assistant manager hire
“I think the philosophy of the manager (Marsch) is clear,” Vieira said after the game. “Putting on high pressure and trying to win the ball in the opposition half. They play with a lot of intensity so we - and any other team that plays Leeds - will have to make quicker decisions because they are very aggressive defending on the front foot.
“I think the more the game grew today the better we were and the more tired they became, so I was really pleased overall with the quality of the game.”
The former Arsenal and France midfield general was well-known for a strong challenge or two in his heyday, but at times he cut a furious figure on the touchline, lambasting the referee. After the game, however, the 46-year-old praised the officials for a ‘really good job’ and said he enjoyed the competitiveness of the game.
“I think the pitch is what it is and we had to deal with it and I think both teams showed the competitiveness of the Premier League,” he said. “We wanted that game, and the last couple of games we've played, to be really close to what we expect from the first game of the season so I was really pleased with the intensity, the physical side of the game and I think the teams did well today.”
When asked whether it went a bit too far, the Palace boss added: “No not at all. I think the referee did a really good job. Both teams played with competitiveness and both teams wanted to win the game and I think this is why the fans enjoyed it because we played with intensity and it was really close to a Premier League game.”
READ NEXT
Leeds United player ratings as Rasmus Kristensen Whites' best in Crystal Palace draw
Rasmus Kristensen says Leeds United were dragged into 'a fight' against Crystal Palace
Leeds United supporters give assessment of Crystal Palace draw as issues debated
Leeds United hit with fresh injury blow as new signing limps off against Crystal Palace
Leeds United midfielder Adam Forshaw substituted in first-half vs Palace amid injury concern
