Leeds United selection response, Calvert-Lewin's South Stand peer pressure and off-camera Palace moments — YEP 21/12/25
By Graham Smyth
The YEP’s take and off-camera moments from Leeds United’s
4-1 victory against Crystal Palace at Elland Road.
Leeds United had a Christmas party at Elland Road but
Crystal Palace were not in the mood.
The Whites were physically superior in every way as they
created chaos in the Eagles box and dominated them on and off the ball. Two
goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a rare Ethan Ampadu goal and Anton Stach's
wicked free-kick got the festive period off the perfect start for Daniel
Farke's men. Here's the YEP take and off-camera moments from the 4-1 victory
against the Eagles.
Good day
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Only Thomas Tuchel can make a decision on England selection
so all Calvert-Lewin can do is control his controllables. His performances are
creating a conversation at least and his goals are the exclamation mark. Two
more against Palace took him to six in five. Few English strikers can boast
that kind of form right now. Whatever happens with the national team, Leeds
United are profiting hugely from this free transfer. What a bit of business.
Ethan Ampadu
The skipper's long throws were hugely influential but his
overall performance was excellent. And he actually scored a goal. This was a
first for Ampadu in the Premier League and only his third for Leeds. It capped
a display full of physicality and class. He's in good form right now.
Brenden Aaronson
The American received a standing ovation from Elland Road as
he went off in the second half. His place in the team was, as ever, questioned
prior to kick-off and he responded perfectly.
Daniel Farke
The German's selection decision, namely putting Aaronson in
ahead of Ao Tanaka, was always going to be a talking point but that, as well as
just about everything else Farke set his side up to do, worked perfectly. The
turnaround in form and fortunes has been dramatic and impressive.
Bad day
Oliver Glasner
The Palace boss talked about how good his side can be at
defending the box, in the build-up to this game. Then watched as Leeds bullied
them from set-pieces. His frustration grew as the game wore on and he failed to
hide it on the touchline. After the game he admitted an error in not talking
more about basics with his players.
Off-camera
Pascal Struijk, Jaka Bijol and Anton Stach playing a
beautiful passing sequence in the warm-up possession game. Seconds later Ethan
Ampadu was limping after apparently catching a ball awkwardly as he passed it.
The skipper felt it for a minute or two and ran it off.
When the possession game ended coach Edmund Riemer handed
Ampadu a ball so he could try a warm-up throw. Just the one. Into the box it
went and off he went to join in with shooting drills.
Fitness coach Chris Domogalla starting the applause for the
Kop as the starting outfield players came over for their final warm-up drills.
Gabriel Gudmundsson and Jayden Bogle giving their mascots
their jackets as the teams emerged.
The smallest of the mascots doing the Leeds salute while
having photos with the match officials and captains.
Noah Okafor hopping mad at his goalkeeper for not releasing
the ball quickly to start a counter. Lucas Perri then gave the attacker the
thousand yard stare for a second or two.
Oliver Glasner losing his rag with the fourth official as
Jean-Philippe Mateta went to ground under pressure from Jaka Bijol without a
free-kick being awarded. The Palace boss placed an apologetic hand on the
official's shoulder once he'd calmed down. Seconds later Dominic Calvert-Lewin
went down in similar circumstances and Leeds got a free-kick. Glasner was
straight into the fourth official's ear.
Daniel Farke took his turn at losing his temper in the
second half, but it was with his own side as someone didn't do their job and
Palace were able to play a pass through the middle for a rare attack.
Calvert-Lewin and Domogalla having a chat with the fourth
official during a break in play for Dean Henderson to get treatment. The
striker had gone for another clean shirt.
A groundsman and Calvert-Lewin having a little moment as the
players went around the pitch at full-time. He then delivered his shirt to a
fan in the East Stand. Brenden Aaronson went and gave his to someone with a US
flag in the South.
The South Stand demanded Calvert-Lewin did the wave and
Pascal Struijk had to persuade him.
Noah Okafor visiting the Crystal Palace dressing room,
alongside Brenden Aaronson, bearing gifts of shirts.
