Leeds United 1-0 Crystal Palace
Leeds United picked up their third win of the Premier League season in dramatic fashion as a late Raphinha penalty in second-half stoppage time gave them a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Elland Road.
It was another attritional performance by the Whites, who struggled to create too many clear-cut chances despite dominating possession.
But as they did with much success last season, they kept plugging away until the final whistle, and their persistence finally paid off as a late penalty saw them climb further away from the Premier League relegation zone.
Read on below as SBOTOP recaps this big home win for the Whites.
Highlights of the game
In his ongoing search for a winning combination, Marcelo Bielsa once again shook up his starting lineup. After their battling draw at Brighton, he returned to the more familiar 4-1-4-1 which was his go-to formation last season. But instead of Rodrigo or Daniel James, it was Tyler Roberts who got the nod to lead the line this time around.
Meanwhile, Kalvin Phillips went back to his more familiar role at the heart of midfield after starting the last couple of Premier League games in defence.
And it was Phillips’ pinpoint long pass to Raphinha with a quarter of an hour gone which started off Leeds’ first big chance of the game. The Brazilian winger was unable to beat his man, but the ball broke to Adam Forshaw, who saw his shot from the edge of the box just miss the bottom corner.
Palace then had a penalty shout a couple of minutes later after Pascal Struijk seemingly pushed Jordan Ayew down, but the referee waved their protests away.
Phillips was again in the thick of the action as he stole the ball the final third, but he blasted his shot well over the bar.
Bielsa brought on Rodrigo for Mateusz Klich for the second half, and the Spanish substitute was immediately involved in Leeds’ best chance of the match. Daniel James’ cross put Rodrigo clear through on goal from the six-yard box, but the forward’s touch wasn’t good enough to get the ball past compatriot Vicente Guaita.
Leeds dominated for much of the second half, but they were nearly caught out by a quick Crystal Palace counterattack. Luckily for them, substitute Christian Benteke failed to head the ball in from point-blank range.
Benteke had another big chance to give Palace the lead 11 minutes from time as he managed to poke the ball past Illan Meslier. However, the Leeds keeper recovered in time to smother the ball before it crossed the line.
That save would end up proving so crucial for Leeds as they won a penalty in the first minute of stoppage time. Young Palace defender Marc Guehi used his hand to clear away a Leeds corner, and after a VAR check amid protests by Leeds captain Liam Cooper, a penalty was awarded.
Raphinha stepped up to take the pressure-packed penalty, and after a stuttering run-up, he blasted the ball past Guaita to give Leeds the much-needed win.
Key statistics
Leeds were good value for the win. They controlled 62 per cent of possession and produced 16 shots to Palace’s nine. Although, they continued to miss Patrick Bamford up front as they only had three total shots on target.
Nevertheless, they eventually got their goal through Raphinha, who now has a team-leading six goals from 12 Premier League games. That penalty was also the first he has converted since scoring one for Rennes in 2019.
Leeds are up to 15th in the table for the time being, thanks in large part to their improving home form. They are unbeaten in their last four games at Elland Road, with two wins and two draws.
What’s next?
Leeds will look to continue their unbeaten run at Elland Road in their next game this weekend against the team many have hailed as this season’s Leeds: Brentford. The Premier League 2021 betting odds for that match will fancy the Whites against the Bees, who have cooled off a bit in the last few weeks after a red-hot start.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace – who have now lost back-to-back games for the first time under Patrick Vieira and are winless in their last three – will visit Old Trafford to take on Manchester United next. That match could see the debut of interim Man United manager Ralf Rangnick, who looks set to miss their midweek match against Arsenal due to work permit issues.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
