Eze begins to show quality as Palace earn impressive victory over Leeds

Eberechi Eze was one of a number of Crystal Palace players who impressed as Roy Hodgson’s side emerged victorious over Leeds at Selhurst Park.

It was a battle of the two eldest statesmen of the Premier League as Hodgson and Marcelo Bielsa squared off.

Much of the build-up centred around the differing styles of the two but it would be the Eagles who claimed the three points.

Bielsa’s squat down in his technical area directly opposed Ray Lewington’s approach of ‘kicking and heading every ball’. Hodgson’s assistant was also donning shorts, which on a cold November afternoon in South London, perhaps typified the bravery desired from Palace.

Jordan Ayew was the target of much of his earlier praise and encouragement, with the Ghanian striker holding the ball up well on multiple occasions in the first period.

Eze was also under Lewington’s spotlight. His constant chatter with the young Englishman was almost compatible to a Sunday league father, who would travel round the side at which his child was playing to offer support.

The 22-year-old played on the left of a 4-4-2 for much of the game, switching to the right-hand side when Andros Townsend departing the game in the latter stages of the second half.

It was Eze’s corner that created the first goal. His in-swinging corner met the head of Scott Dann, who powered home an effort off the crossbar and past the despairing Leeds ‘keeper.

The away side were convinced they’d levelled not long after but Patrick Bamford was adjudged to have been offside, VAR once again securing its place amongst the post-match talking points.

Eze, a summer signing from QPR, produced the pick of the goals with a sublime free-kick on 22 minutes.

Picking himself up after winning the foul, his curling effort left Illan Meslier with little chance and displayed the individual quality that Eze possesses.

“Andros told me to take it. We practice from each side and he has seen me, so he was the one who told everyone to let me take it. I’m grateful that he gave me the opportunity and that I took it.” – Eze on his goal.

Bamford did halve the deficit thanks to a smart chest and volleyed finish, but a Patrick Van Aanholt cross was inadvertently deflected in by Helder Costa as Palace went into the interval leading 3-1.

Eze curled just wide after the break, in what would have been another spectacular effort, as Palace’s summer arrival continued to showcase his ability.

Palace’s fourth arrived later in the second half as Wilfried Zaha set up Ayew to score.

It was Eze who would steal the headlines. His first Premier League goal was one to remember.

The biggest shame was a lack of Selhurst crowd to acclaim the young man.

His willingness to work back and ability to win fouls already make him a useful asset to the Eagles. By adding goal contributions in the final third, Eze will soon become a fan favourite in SE25.

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