This was the last game of the Premier League weekend as Leeds took on Crystal Palace.
Despite the snowy weather the game was on, Leeds again had the chance to go upto 10th and Crystal Palace had the chance to also move into the top half. It was also a special game for Kalvin Phillips who was making his 200th appearance for Leeds United his hometown club.
It was played at Elland Road, and the 2nd game on the newly laid pitch, how would it hold up this time now it’s had a bit more time to settle down?
Reference for picture: https://www.facebook.com/LeedsUnited/photos
1st goal for Leeds
After three minutes, it was good buildup play by Leeds after a poor clearance from Palace and Harrison’s shot from outside the box was deflected off Cahill and looped into the net, perfect start for Leeds.
After 10 minutes, Alioski crossed for Bamford who got ahead of his marker to head it, but his header was saved.
12 minutes later, Bamford picked up a loose pass off Milivojevic, he got round Cahill and raced into th box bt he skied his shot wide of the left post.
After 35 minutes, the first real danger to the Leeds goal as Ayew turned and shot, but his shot was easily saved by Meslier.
Three minutes later, Raphinha freekick whipped in and Struijk headed over.
Just before halftime, Phillips crossed and Struijk header from close range and got nowhere near.
Halftime score: Â Leeds United 1-0 Crystal Palace
So again another dominant first half from Leeds, they got the early goal and may have gone in further ahead, would they add to their 1 goal in the 2nd half?
2nd Leeds goal
After 52 minutes, Klich found Raphinha in behind the Palace defence, his shot was well saved by Guaita but only into the path of Bamford was following in to coolly slot it into the net for his 100th goal of his club career.
Then a couple of minutes later, Eze’s shot was blocked, then at the other end Ayling whipped a cross in and Bamford’s header was easily saved.
On the hour mark, Ayling fizzed in a really dangerous ball in from the right, Raphinha was there at the near post, but couldn’t get enough of the flick-on. Phillips corner was then met by Struijk but he headed it into the ground from close range.
After 67 minutes, Crystal Palace had their best chance of the game but Eze blasted over.
After 70 minutes, Dallas had a go from outside the box but his shot was saved.
The last meaningful action was with 7 minutes left as Clyne gave the ball away and Harrison ran for a while, and his left footed shot hit the top of the bar.
Fulltime score: Leeds United 2-0 Crystal Palace
So a comfortable night’s work for Leeds who were dominant against a poor Crystal Palace.
It moves Leeds upto 10th in the Premier League on 32 points which means theyre miles away from the bottom 3 which is a good achievement after 22 games of their first season back in the Premier League.
Highlights of this game are at this link:
Next for Leeds is an away trip to the capital as they face Arsenal on Valentines Day Sunday 14th February with a 4:30pm kickoff. Leeds will be going there confident.
