Leeds climbed to the top 10 of the Premier League after defeating visiting Crystal Palace 2-0 on Monday.
Jack Harrison’s early-morning scoring led to the triumph of Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa’s team. Patrick Bamford sentenced by scoring off a rebound early in the second half for his 12th goal in the English league this season and the 100th of his career.
“After being away from the first division for 16 years it is important for a club like Leeds to settle down and continue to grow,” said Bamford. “We deserve it. And it is a good incentive for the future of Leeds ”.
The triumph that catapulted Leeds to the top of the table served as revenge after losing 4-1 in November when visiting Selhurst Park in London.
They should have won with a heavier scoreboard, but did not concede goals for the first time in seven games this year.
Palace entered the icy West Yorkshire after having two consecutive league wins, but were clearly outmatched for most of the match. The Londoners missed Wilfried Zaha, their leading scorer, through injury.
Leeds wasted no time in hurting the Palace when they found a large space at the edge of the penalty area. Harrison’s good shot was deflected to the back of the net by Gary Cahill with just three minutes elapsed.
The hosts again punished at the beginning of the second half. Goalkeeper Vicente Guaita was able to repel Raphinha’s powerful shot, but Bamford did not forgive after a rebound from eight meters away.