Leeds United continued their remarkable recent resurgence with another well-deserved Premier League victory at Elland Road, as Crystal Palace were put to the sword in a 4-1 win.
Daniel Farke made a solitary change to the side that took a point against Brentford, with Brenden Aaronson replacing Ao Tanaka in the midfield.
Despite taking an early blow to the head, Dominic Calvert-Lewin dazzled at Elland Road again, as he further enhanced his England claims with another
Leeds strengthened their position with a rare Ethan Ampadu goal in the second half, and, in truth, the visitors never truly looked like getting back into the game. A late Anton Stach free-kick capped off arguably Leeds’ best performance of the season.
Here’s how the Leeds players rated as they opened up a six-point gap on the bottom three in the Premier League and leapfrogged Nottingham Forest in the table, temporarily at least.
FULL-TIME: Leeds United 4-1 Crystal Palace 🦚
What a win! Is that the best performance of the season so far? 🔥
Leeds player ratings as Dominic Calvert-Lewin shines again
Lucas Perri – 6
Looked assured when claiming two tame crosses into the box in the opening exchanges before saving well from Eddie Nketiah. Looked more comfortable on the ball as Leeds played short more often. Concession of a late penalty was the only mark against his name.
Gabriel Gudmundsson – 7
Snuffed out a dangerous first-half attack with a brilliant tackle, before releasing Noah Okafor to counter. Robust in defence and helped Leeds set the tone with their high press. Another solid performance from the Swede.
Pascal Struijk – 7
Fortunate not to be punished for a first-half error in a dangerous position before heading wide with a golden chance from a corner. Could have scored a hat-trick of headers from corners, with Dean Henderson producing a strong second-half save.
Jaka Bijol – 7
Challenged aerially by Jean-Philippe Mateta early on, but recovered well. Looked assured on the ball at the back. Flicked on brilliantly for Calvert-Lewin’s second goal and was rarely challenged in the second half.
Joe Rodon – 7
Had Leeds’ first sight of goal and should have done better with a first-half header. Played like an auxiliary right wing-back at times. Got through more work in attack than in defence, but showed why he is Leeds’ Mister Reliable.
Jayden Bogle – 6
Given even more licence to attack on the right wing, with Rodon covering wider. Was outshone by others, but did nothing wrong on the right before being replaced by James Justin late on.
Anton Stach – 8
Struggled to impose himself in open play in the first half, although his delivery from corners created Leeds’ two best chances before the break, before the Whites opened the scoring.
Influence grew in the second half as Leeds began to dominate the midfield, pressing high and interchanging well with Aaronson. Capped off a strong display with a brilliant free-kick to complete the scoring.
Who was your MOTM in Leeds’ brilliant win over Crystal Palace? 🦚
Surely there is only one option…
Ethan Ampadu – 8
He was typically industrious in the midfield for Leeds, and his two long throws created Calvert-Lewin’s two first-half goals. Never put a foot wrong in possession and was strong in the tackle. His first-ever Premier League goal capped off a true captain’s knock.
Brenden Aaronson – 8
Returned to the Leeds starting line-up in place of Ao Tanaka and showed his usual work rate. Should have been awarded a penalty before Calvert-Lewin opened the scoring. Received a standing ovation from the Leeds crowd after an influential display in midfield.
Noah Okafor – 6
Looked dangerous running at Chris Richards, but lacked end-product when he did get into a dangerous area. Had a tough assignment against the physical Richards. However, he still completed the most dribbles of any player while on the field, according to FotMob.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 9
Elland Road held its breath after a nasty early clash of heads with Marc Guehi. Recovered to give Leeds the lead with his fifth goal in five games, before adding his sixth soon after. Received a well-deserved ovation when substituted after another fine display.
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Substitutes
Ao Tanaka, Willy Gnonto and James Justin – 6
Willy Gnonto had the best chance to make his mark after being brought on, as his attempted through ball failed to reach Calvert-Lewin. Tanaka helped to maintain the energy in midfield.
Ilia Gruev, Joel Piroe – N/A
Introduced too late to have any meaningful impact on the overall result, although Gruev nearly won Leeds a late penalty until it was overturned by VAR, which ultimately led to Stach’s goal.
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