Leeds United controversy vs Crystal Palace as VAR makes ‘clear’ error
Leeds United’s victory over Crystal Palace wasn’t without controversy.
Leeds United took a huge step towards Premier League survival on Saturday, with a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Elland Road.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin strengthened his chances of an England call-up with a brace against the Eagles, taking him to six goals in his last five games.
However, had it not been for a controversial decision, the in-form striker could easily have had a hat-trick.
Brenden Aaronson appeared to be fouled vs Crystal Palace
Whether Brenden Aaronson should have started the game is certainly up for debate, as is whether he did anywhere near enough to warrant another start when Leeds face Sunderland next week.
However, he was involved in one of the biggest talking points of the game when Tyrick Mitchell appeared to hack him down in the penalty area.
Play was waved on, and VAR checked and cleared the incident, much to the surprise of everyone at Elland Road, but also Keith Hackett, who believed that a penalty should have been awarded.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, the former PGMOL chief said: “Difficult to understand why this penalty was not given. Looks like a clear foul inside the penalty area.”
Very little appeared to be made of it from the Leeds players, though replays showed that Aaronson was rather unfortunate not to win the foul.
Farke now on course to steer Leeds to survival, the stats show it
If you can remain at an average of one point per game, you will, more often than not, survive in the Premier League.
After Leeds’ victory at home to Palace, they now sit on 19 points from 17 games, and six above West Ham, who occupy the final relegation spot.
However, with Calvert-Lewin’s sudden return to form, Leeds now have something that those around them lack – a clinical goalscorer.
The Whites have scored 23 goals this season, which is four more than any of the bottom four, and even four more than Sunderland, who sit all the way up in sixth.
There is a long way to go yet, but things are finally looking very positive for Leeds.
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