Joe Hart explains why Noah Okafor had rough day in Leeds United vs Crystal Palace

Joe Hart believes Noah Okafor was kept far too quiet for Leeds United in their draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The Whites were held to a goalless draw against the Eagles at Elland Road, in a Premier League showdown that lacked real quality.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin perhaps had the best chance of the game, but Walter Benitez's save meant that the Whites were unable to get the three points.

But Daniel Farke may feel like it was a point gained, especially after Tyrick Mitchell appeared to have put the visitors ahead before his goal was ruled out as offside.

Okafor didn't have the best game against Pierre Sage's side despite being in form.

Joe Hart has been reviewing the close contest and reveals why he thinks the Leeds winger had an off day.

Noah Okafor didn't get given an 'inch' vs Crystal Palace

Okafor has stolen the headlines recently after another dramatic twist in his saga with the Switzerland national team.

Tensions had already flared with Swiss boss Murat Yakin, but the situation has reached a boiling point, resulting in the Leeds player quitting the national team for the foreseeable future.

The winger didn't have the best game against Palace, but is still a big fan favourite at Elland Road.

While speaking on BBC's Match of the Day, Hart explained how Chris Richards marshalled Okafor out of the game.

Hart said: "Okafor's been in good form, and he was shown early on in the game that he wasn't going to be given an inch.

"I think Chris Richards led the line well. Again, early battle not a problem, willing to get dirty, down.

"That's what the Premier League is; you have to be willing to be in these battles."

Richards was going man-to-man with Okafor in several moments throughout the game, often getting the better of the former.

Though Okafor completed six dribbles, he failed five attempts, too.

He lost six ground duels, 100 per cent of his aerial duels and was only able to make 10 passes in 76 minutes.

What Okafor's substitution showed us

Okafor is highly rated by Farke and his fellow Leeds teammates, especially James Justin.

While speaking to Leeds Live about Okafor, Justin said: "You can see in training every day what kind of player he is.

"If he gets the ball in his feet, he's so unpredictable and obviously can win games for us."

But when it isn't going Okafor's way, Farke has got to have a solution up his sleeve.

The 26-year-old came off in place of Lukas Nmecha, but the latter was unable to make his mark again.

Nmecha is essentially playing for his LS11 career, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, which makes these types of appearances important.

It's not all on the German striker to change the game, but the substitutes in general showed where the Whites need to improve in January.