Leeds United v Crystal Palace FC - Premier League 2026/27
Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford applauds the fans after the final whistle during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Crystal Palace at Elland Road in Leeds, United Kingdom, on September 20, 2026. (Photo by Maynard Manyowa/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Leeds United have kept three clean sheets in sevene games so far, with James Trafford between the sticks for all of them.
Coming into the summer, Karl Darlow’s expired contract gave United an interesting dilemma in the transfer market.
Leeds’ response was overhauling the goalkeeper position as James Trafford joined for a club-record £40million fee.
James Trafford collects another well-earned Leeds United clean sheet v Crystal Palace
There’s not a whole lot of positives that you can take from a fairly uninspiring 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace. It was a really poor showing overall.
That being said, one of the few standouts for Leeds was another clean sheet for Trafford in goal. The England international didn’t have a whole lot to do in the way of goalmouth action – spared any effort by last-ditch defending from Ethan Ampadu, Tarik Muharemovic and James Justin.
However, when called upon, he stepped up. A free-kick conceded by Ao Tanaka on the edge of the box allowed Yeremy Pino an avenue to goal, which he took well with a strike through bodies down Trafford’s side of the goal, away from the wall.
Trafford, though, smartly tipped away the shot with a strong palm.
It was by no means the greatest save you’ll ever see, and you’d be annoyed if it squirmed in, but how nice is it to know we have a goalkeeper that just gets through those basics and keeps a clean sheet?
Last season and even prior to that, Daniel Farke could not rely on his goalkeeper to step up to the plate when put under pressure. Any other previous ‘keeper playing for Leeds and we probably go 0-1 down there.
At 2-0 up against Newcastle, Trafford pulled off another huge save that proved absolutely vital. Harvey Barnes broke in pursuit of a goal to halve deficit, but was denied from close range by Leeds’ ‘keeper, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin made it 3-0 minutes after.
Man City regret outlined as Gigi Donnarumma concedes another three while Leeds United toast James Trafford
When Leeds signed Trafford, many neutrals couldn’t see the logic in paying so much for what was essentially Man City’s backup.
The Man City fans don’t see it that way though. Gigi Donnarumma isn’t wholly convincing Enzo Maresca and the club that binning Trafford after a season was wise.
Trafford has three clean sheets to his name, and has conceded just three goals. Meanwhile, Donnarumma conceded three on Sunday against Sunderland. And, a howling mistake almost allowed Sunderland a fourth when he failed to meet a cross into the box, spared by Ruben Dias’ goal-line clearance.
It’s not nearly the first time Donnarumma has been left embarrassed in the City goal recently. And, it makes Leeds’ deal look even better to sign Trafford, who we couldn’t be happier with.
Leeds United v Crystal Palace FC - Premier League 2026/27
Leeds United v Crystal Palace FC - Premier League 2026/27