Leeds United moved five points clear of the Premier League relegation zone following a fiercely contested goalless draw at Crystal Palace.
In a scrappy, sometimes bad-tempered clash Wilfried Zaha came closest to scoring but saw his powerful shot well held by Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
England midfielder Conor Gallagher also fired a half-volley narrowly over the crossbar from the edge of the area as Leeds secured their second successive clean sheet.
The visitors offered little as an attacking threat with a Liam Cooper header straight at home goalkeeper Vicente Guaita and a shot from substitute Joe Gelhardt their only efforts on target.
In the last 10 minutes Zaha twice had attempts blocked by the legs of Meslier as Leeds held on for what could prove to be a valuable point.
The result leaves Leeds – who play Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea in their next three games before ending the season with matches against Brighton and Brentford – in 16th place on 34 points, although 18th-placed Everton, on 29 points, have a game in hand.
League leaders Manchester City are one point above Liverpool and travel to Elland Road on Saturday, with Leeds boss Jesse Marsch calling Pep Guardiola’s side the “biggest Goliath in football in the world”.
However, Marsch said his side would not play with any fear, adding: “I know a little bit about the way Pep likes to play. We will try to create an aggressive gameplan but one that can also help us find a way to get a result.
“I know what this game will require and how good the opponent is, but, whatever, let’s go for it.”BBC
