EPL: Leeds thrash Crystal Palace 4–1; Arsenal secure narrow win over Everton
On Saturday, Leeds United hammered Crystal Palace with four goals, including an incredible brace from Calvert-Lewin, as Arsenal secured a narrow win over Everton to stay on top of the league standings.
Leeds United and Crystal Palace clashed in a huge match-up for both sides at Elland Road, with a tense 102 minutes of action. The home side broke the deadlock just before half-time through Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who finished well after an assist from Jake Bijol. The striker then doubled Leeds’ advantage before the break to give the Peacocks full control heading into the interval.
After half-time, Leeds made it 3–0 when Ethan Ampadu reacted quickest to a loose ball from a Stach corner, punishing Palace’s failure to clear their lines. Crystal Palace responded by winning a penalty after Perri brought down Uche, and Devenny converted to make it 3–1, briefly giving the visitors hope.
However, Leeds had the final say late on, as Stach curled a superb free-kick into the top corner after a foul on Gruev, sealing a dominant 4–1 victory.
The result leaves Leeds six points clear of the bottom three heading into Christmas, while Crystal Palace dropped to eighth after one of their poorest performances of the season.
Despite a narrow win, Arsenal sit top of the league standings going into the festive period, with a first-half penalty proving the difference. The spot-kick was awarded following a handball by O’Brien, and Viktor Gyökeres converted confidently to score what turned out to be the winning goal.
Everton showed greater intent but struggled to create clear-cut chances, a problem made worse by the absence of the in-form pairing of Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
The hosts felt hard done by when a potential penalty was waved away after Saliba appeared to catch Barry in the area, but VAR upheld the on-field decision. Arsenal came close to doubling their lead when Trossard and Zubimendi both struck the woodwork.
David Moyes’ side remain in the top half and will look to build on that after Christmas when they travel to Burnley. Arsenal’s attention turns to an EFL Cup tie against Crystal Palace before returning to league action against Brighton.
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