Match Recap: Leeds United 1-5 Crystal Palace

A shockingly pathetic second-half performance was the difference between them and Crystal Palace in a devastating defeat for Javi Gracia’s side.

Believe it or not, the Whites took the lead after 21 minutes as Brendan Aaronson’s corner met the head of Patrick Bamford, whose header across goal went in off the far post for Bamford’s 50th goal for the club.

The ball seemed to be dropped from that moment, as Palace were allowed a fighting chance back into the game having been dominated for the first third of the match. After several close calls, Palace drew level through Eze’s free-kick was flicked on by Schlupp and prodded into the net by Guehi from close range.

Ten minutes into the second half, the capitulation begun as Ayew scored a free header at the far post, meeting Olise’s cross from the right. Olise was the creator again just two minutes later when he slipped Eze through on goal who slotted the ball under Meslier to put Palace in the driving seat.

A hat-trick of assists for Olise was complete when he sent Edouard through on the counterattack, with the French striker firing the ball into the bottom corner to put the game beyond any doubt. But that wasn’t enough for the away side, with Ayew scoring again as Hughes’ pop-shot fell for Ayew who lashed the ball home with little-to-no effort while the Leeds defence were completely asleep.

A game that showed there’s a lot more work to be done if this team is to maintain their Premier League status.