Leeds United continued their brilliant run of recent form with a convincing 4-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday. Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored twice while Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach grabbed a goal each to cap off a brilliant run into Christmas for Daniel Farke’s side.
A relatively quiet opening half-hour saw half-chances for Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk missed while at the other end, Eddie Nketiah had a shot parried away by Lucas Perri. Calvert-Lewin then took his first opportunity at the second time of asking, tapping in from close range after a long throw was flicked into his path by Palace defender Chris Richards.
The in-form striker made it 2-0 in first-half added-time, again getting in at the back post after Jaka Bijol flicked Ampadu’s throw into a dangerous area. Leeds continued to cause problems for their opponents and even grabbed a third on the hour, with Ampadu reacting quickly to poke a loose ball beyond Dean Henderson.
Palace were handed the chance to grab a consolation when Christantus Uche was fouled by Perri as seven minutes of added-time began. Substitute Justin Devenny buried the spot-kick to get his side on the scoresheet but Leeds restored their three-goal lead deep into added-time through Anton Stach’s excellent free-kick.
YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth was at Elland Road on the night. Here are his Leeds United player ratings...
1. GK: Lucas Perri
7 - One important save in the first half but was protected brilliantly by his outfield team-mates for most of it. Was forced into a clumsy challenge for the penalty. | Getty Images
2. RWB: Jayden Bogle
8 - Helped give the Leeds right hand side fluidity, staying high and wide. Some good touches and passes. Lots of running. | Getty Images
3. CB: Joe Rodon
9 - Quite what his position was is up for debate because he played like a winger. He played well as a winger. Some lovely football. The usual defending. | Getty Images
4. CB: Jaka Bijol
8 - Defended well, produced a few good passes but caused merry hell in the opposition box and got two assists. Culpable at least partly for the penalty. | Getty Images
5. CB: Pascal Struijk
8 - Read his fair share of situations well. Some good passing. Battled with Mateta when he had to. | Getty Images
6. LWB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
9 - Did so many good things. Dribbled well. Passed well. Linked up well. Caused problems. Defended well one-v-one. | Getty Images