Match Recap: Crystal Palace 2-1 Leeds United - Another Frustrating Trip to London

Leeds United’s 3-0 victory over Chelsea feels like it was so long ago, and this result against Crystal Palace seemed to encapsulate that point as the home side ran out 2-1 winners.

The Whites started extremely well, with Palance unable to cope with Leeds’ intense high press. The visitors broke the deadlock on ten minutes after winning the ball in the final third. It broke to Aaronson who drifted inside from the right with a Messi-esque run into the penalty area before hitting the far post with a curling strike.

Harrison didn’t manage to get a toe on the rebound, but the oncoming Pascal Struijk bounced the ball into the ground, through the legs of Danny Ward and into the net to give Leeds a deserved early lead.

Patrick Bamford should’ve marked his return to the starting lineup with a goal after being sent through on goal by Tyler Adams. The ball sat up nicely for a right-footed strike across goal, but Bamford opted for his stronger left foot, toe-poking the ball to Guita’s right, who had an easy save to make.

Palace equalised on the 25-minute mark from a cheap free-kick, which Michael Olise took full advantage of with his excellent delivery into the middle. Edouard emerged from the pack, nodding the ball high into the top-left corner.

Leeds lost their footing somewhat for the remainder of the half and completely lost it for the second 45. Palace took much better care of the ball in the second half and managed to temper an erratic Leeds midfield, wrestling control of the pace from the visiting side’s grasp.

After a flurry of half-chances, Eze made the breakthrough for Patrick Vieira’s side. Zaha found Eze marauding toward the Leeds penalty area, orchestrating a clear opening to blast the ball low into the bottom left corner.

Meanwhile, little was going on at the other end of the pitch. Joe Gelhardt might’ve tested Guita late on with his spinning volley in a crowded penalty area, but he didn’t quite catch it right.

All in all, another frustrating performance and result to match.