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...
13. Sub: Willy Gnonto
8 - Got stuck straight in, creating problems and chances. Led the counter attacks. But helped out defensively too. | Getty Images
14. Sub: James Justin
7 - Busy, industrious. Got up for one towering header. | Getty Images
15. Sub: Ilia Gruev
NA - Thought he'd won a penalty with a run forward only for VAR to cancel it. Couldn't keep Leeds in full control though as Palace had a moment. | Getty Images
16. Sub: Joel Piroe
NA - Unable to hold the ball up perfectly but there were a couple of nice touches. | Getty Images
17. Referee: Thomas Bramall
4 - Seemed too unsure of himself at times, missed a penalty - but so too did VAR. | Getty Images