Five-star Eagles destroy hapless Leeds to put Premier League safety within reach

Five-star Eagles destroy hapless Leeds to put Premier League safety within reach

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 16:01 - 09.04.2023

Crystal Palace put on an attacking masterclass to absolutely crush a sorry Leeds United side, winning 5-1 to move closer to Premier League safety.

On a fine Sunday afternoon at Elland Road, Leeds United got absolutely battered by a resurgent Crystal Palace, led by the scintillating Jordan Ayew, as the Eagles came away 5-1 winners.

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How it happened - Even first-half

Both sides traded attacks in the first 20 minutes with Leeds looking the more dangerous side. The home side got an early reward for their pressure as Patrick Bamford fired Javi Gracia's men ahead in the 21st minute.

Palace responded quickly in a bid to end their five-match winless run on the road and an unmarked Jeffery Schlupp saw his header clip the post from Michael Olise’s corner. 

The away side continued to push for an equaliser and got their reward on the stroke of half-time as Marc Guehi bundled past Illan Meslier from close range after Schlupp’s flick-on inside the penalty area.

Second half action - Crystal Palace goal-fest

Olise continued to torment the Leeds backline after the break and his perfect cross from the right flank was headed in by Jordan Ayew. 

He followed that with a run and through-ball that was turned home by Eberechi Eze and finally, on a quick break he chose correctly, picking out Odsonne Edouard on the left and he drilled home a fourth.

With 13 minutes left, Ayew netted a second after Will Hughes' shot was deflected into his path. 

Palace are now in 12th position, six points above the bottom three, while Leeds are two points and two places above the drop zone.

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