Kalvin Phillips hails Leeds United's resolute defence after Crystal Palace stalemate

Kalvin Phillips has praised Leeds United's defensive performance after the Whites drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday evening.
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United travelled to South London hoping to give themselves some breathing space at the foot of the Premier League table ahead of a tough trio of fixtures against top six sides.

The Whites were strengthened by the return of Kalvin Phillips, who made his first start since December after recovering from a hamstring injury.

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Crystal Palace 0-0 Leeds United: Whites held in a vicious Selhurst Park clash
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But Leeds failed to create chances on the attack at Selhurst Park, while their opponents were similarly frustrated.

Phillips is pleased to take a point home to West Yorkshire despite Leeds' lacklustre display.

"It was a tough game," Phillips said.

"Personally I don't think the team played as well as what we could do but we defended well in the end.

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips. Pic: Craig Mercer.Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips. Pic: Craig Mercer.
Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips. Pic: Craig Mercer.

"We didn't create much as a team but this was always going to be a tough place to come after the defeat that they had last week.

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"Happy with the point, not really happy with the performance."

In a scrappy game with squandered chances aplenty, neither side could find a breakthrough - though Palace looked the more likely to snatch a winner as the game drew to a close.

Though a victory would have given a significant boost to United's survival hopes, Phillips is proud of his side's clean sheet - their second in as many games.

Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha advances on goal. Pic: Sebastian Frej.Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha advances on goal. Pic: Sebastian Frej.
Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha advances on goal. Pic: Sebastian Frej.

"We wanted to come here and win but first and foremost we wanted to not concede," Phillips.

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"For us to do that against a good team with some exceptional players - I thought we did well.

"Like I said, disappointed with the performance and not getting the three points but the point is all that matters now."