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Leeds entered the upper half of the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Monday night football.
Jack Harrison gave Marcelo Bielsa’s team the perfect start as his deflected shot gave them the lead as early as the third minute before Patrick Bamford (52) sealed all three points early in the second half with his 100th goal. in his carrer.
With the victory, Leeds move ahead of Arsenal, which they will face on Sunday, live on Sky Sports (start at 4.30 pm), in tenth place.
Meanwhile, Palace, who stays at 13th, sees his two-game winning streak come to an end at Elland Road.
The Premier League table …
How Leeds achieved a 10th top flight win of the season …
Jack Harrison of Leeds celebrates with Raphinha after scoring against Crystal Palace
Leeds snapped out of the blocks and chastised Palace for allowing them too much room at the edge of the penalty area when Harrison’s well-hit shot deflected from Gary Cahill to give the home team a lead in the third minute.
The hosts were firmly on top and goalkeeper Vicente Guaita had to be on the alert to avoid Bamford’s powerful header after a cross from Ezgjan Alioski at his near post.
Bamford had another chance to extend the lead in the 22nd minute. He hit the ball past Cahill and cleared, but should have done better with the shot, putting the ball over Guaita’s crossbar.
Palace fought back as a striking force, but Jordan Ayew managed to get a shot on goal, which was cleverly stopped by Illan Meslier.
Leeds should have doubled their lead before the break, but defender Pascal Struijk headed Raphinha’s free kick over the crossbar and somehow headed wide from the front of the goal after finding a cross from Kalvin Phillips.
Leeds quickly came back off the blocks in the second half and extended their lead in the 52nd minute. Raphinha’s powerful shot was well saved by Guaita, but he was on hand to convert the rebound from eight yards.
Patrick Bamford celebrates the goal of Leeds vs Crystal Palace
Eberechi Eze had a golden opportunity to give Palace a lifeline in the 67th minute, but he shot substitute Michy Batshuayi’s cutoff over the bar.
Stuart Dallas’ low shot then forced a great save from Guaita and Harrison’s angled effort hit the crossbar as Leeds chased after a third goal, but it was a comfortable night for Bielsa and his team as they posted a 10th win in the high category of the season.
What the managers said …
Leeds Chief Marcelo bielsa: “Not having conceded is important. We didn’t make any mistakes that would facilitate their attack. Our offensive game was good enough to get both goals and we could have scored a few more.
“Scoring early in the game is always important. We maintained our offensive behavior throughout the game. The most important thing is to show consistency. To have a period of the season where we have consistent results.
On the renewed pitch in Leeds: “The field is much better than before. There are a couple of games now in which they are adapting to the characteristics of the field. In the last game we slipped many times, but not so much in this one.”
3:31
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa said he was very impressed by his team’s offensive performance in the 2-0 victory against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Head of Crystal Palace Roy Hodgson: “We started badly in both halves in terms of the goals we conceded. Both were pretty poor technical mistakes. You can’t afford to go 1-0 down after three or four minutes and then 2-0 down after 50 minutes and come out with a result unless you play outstanding soccer, but sadly we don’t play outstanding soccer.
“The bottom line for me is that we didn’t pass the ball well enough and we have to accept that we lost to the best team. We couldn’t pressure them like they pushed us. We are a passing team and when we don’t pass the ball well, we fall for below our standards. “
2:50
Roy Hodgson admitted that his Crystal Palace team were comfortably beaten by the best team in Leeds and claims that he is more disappointed by his team’s inability to pass the ball in the game.
Man of the Match – Raphinha
Sky sports‘ Andy Hinchcliffe: “He’s playing like he’s been in the Premier League for years, but tonight is only his 17th appearance. His passing, his movement and his work pace are brilliant. He really embodies Marcelo Bielsa’s game plan with his quality and your hard work. “
‘100 goals a long time ago’
Leeds forward Patrick Bamford to Sky Sports:
“The most important thing is to score the three points, but it’s good to reach 100 goals in his career. It’s probably been a long time, but it’s good to get there. I captained myself [in Fantasy Football]. After I missed that one in the first half, he was kicking me so I’m glad I scored. “
“It’s good that they talk about you I guess, but there are four or five forwards who haven’t really been involved with England before and are doing well. It will be interesting to see who gets called up and who does. I fully deserve it.
“After being out of the league for 16 years, it is important for a club like Leeds to take hold and build on that. This is not more than we deserve. It bodes well for the future of Leeds.”
Harrison: Ambitious Leeds looking towards the table
Leeds forward Jack Harrison to Sky Sports:
“We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we prepared all week and came out strong. The early goal helped us to play our football style and maintain possession.”
Is Leeds looking at the table now? “Definitely. As a team we are very ambitious. We want to keep pushing ourselves.”
Opta stats: Crystal Palace’s struggles continue without Zaha
- Crystal Palace has failed to score in seven Premier League away games this season, the most combined of any team (level with Burnley).
- Palace has lost 17 of its last 19 Premier League games when Wilfried Zaha has not played, and failed to score in 15 of those 17 losses.
- Leeds have won three of their last four Premier League matches (L1), as many victories as they have in the previous eight (L5).
- Jack Harrison’s first goal (2 minutes 35 seconds) was Leeds’ fastest goal in the Premier League since Steve Caldwell scored against Blackburn Rovers in April 2004 (second minute). Harrison has scored three goals in his last four league games, as many as he has in his previous 24 with the club.
Whats Next?
Sunday February 14 4:00 pm
Start 4:30 pm
Saturday February 13 2:45 pm
Start 3:00 pm
Leeds returns to action Sunday when they travel to Arsenal, live on Sky Sports; start at 4.30 pm.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace will face Burnley at Selhurst Park on Saturday, February 13, also live on Sky Sports; start 15:00 h.
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