Patrick Viera warns Premier League rivals they must be ready for ‘very aggressive’ Leeds United

Patrick Viera 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 Viera warned fellow Premier League teams that they will need to be sharp against this ‘very aggressive’ side.

“I think the philosophy of the manager (Marsch) is clear,” Viera 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