Leeds United have moved six points clear of the Premier League’s relegation places after a commanding 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Elland Road. The result was built on a dominant performance from set-pieces and a clinical display from striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Calvert-Lewin, who joined the club on a free transfer in the summer, continued his remarkable resurgence by scoring twice, making it six goals in his last five league appearances. His double, both coming from close-range finishes following long throws, helped him become the first Leeds player to score in five consecutive top-flight matches in over two decades.
The home side’s strategy was clear from the outset, as they repeatedly targeted the Palace penalty area with deliveries from dead-ball situations. The visitors struggled to cope with the physicality and organisation, ultimately conceding three of the four goals from set-plays.
Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu added a third goal, poking home from a corner, before Palace managed a late consolation from the penalty spot through Justin Devenny. Any hope of a dramatic comeback was swiftly extinguished, however, as substitute Anton Stach curled in a superb free-kick deep into stoppage time to seal the points.
The performance highlighted Calvert-Lewin’s growing influence and sharpness after a period plagued by injuries prior to his move. His positioning and anticipation in the penalty box proved decisive, rewarding the faith shown in him by the club’s management.
For Crystal Palace, the defeat exposed significant defensive frailties, particularly in dealing with aerial threats. Manager Oliver Glasner described conceding four times from set-pieces as “embarrassing,” with his team appearing physically overwhelmed for large periods of the match.
The win provides Leeds with significant breathing room in the battle to avoid the drop as the season approaches its midway point, while Palace will need to regroup quickly ahead of a demanding festive schedule.