Calvert-Lewin Double Sparks Leeds Rout of Palace

LEEDS, ENGLAND — Leeds United desperately needed three points to ease their relegation fears, while fifth-placed Crystal Palace arrived at Elland Road seeking to maintain their impressive early-season form. The hosts delivered emphatically, securing a commanding 4-1 victory in front of 36,334 supporters that showcased their attacking prowess and provided vital breathing room in their survival battle.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin proved the difference-maker with a clinical first-half double that set Leeds on course for victory. The striker opened the scoring in the 38th minute, prodding home from very close range after excellent build-up play. Just seven minutes into first-half stoppage time, Calvert-Lewin struck again, this time heading home from point-blank range after Jaka Bijol flicked on a delivery with a precise headed pass. The brace gave Leeds a commanding 2-0 advantage at the interval and left Palace shell-shocked.

Ethan Ampadu extended the lead in the 60th minute with a composed right-footed finish from the centre of the box, capitalizing on a corner kick to make it 3-0. Palace finally found a response in the 92nd minute when Justin Devenny converted a penalty with his left foot to the bottom left corner after Lucas Perri fouled Christantus Uche inside the area. However, any hopes of a dramatic comeback were extinguished immediately when Anton Stach curled a magnificent free kick into the bottom left corner in the 101st minute to restore the three-goal cushion.

The teams shared possession almost equally at 52.7%-47.3%, but Leeds United's attacking intent proved far more dangerous. The hosts peppered Dean Henderson's goal with 20 attempts compared to Palace's nine, with eight of Leeds' efforts forcing saves or finding the target. Brenden Aaronson and Noah Okafor constantly threatened down the flanks, while Pascal Struijk came agonizingly close to adding a fourth when his header was saved by Henderson in the 66th minute.

Joe Rodon and Jaka Bijol formed an imposing defensive partnership for Leeds, limiting Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah to scraps. Palace's frustration manifested in three yellow cards, including a late booking for Adam Wharton, while Lucas Perri also saw yellow for his penalty concession. The visitors struggled to create clear chances despite the introduction of Jefferson Lerma at halftime, with Yéremy Pino's blocked efforts representing their best opportunities.

The turning point arrived with Calvert-Lewin's second goal deep into first-half stoppage time. Palace had weathered the initial storm and appeared ready to regroup at the break, but the striker's header crushed their momentum and left them chasing shadows in the second period. Gabriel Gudmundsson and Jayden Bogle controlled the wide areas, repeatedly exposing Nathaniel Clyne and Tyrick Mitchell as Leeds dominated territorially.

Looking ahead, Leeds United host Sunderland on December 28, while Crystal Palace host Arsenal on December 23.