Leeds United produced one of their most complete performances of the season on Saturday night, overpowering Crystal Palace 4–1 at Elland Road to continue their climb away from the Premier League relegation zone.
The Whites were sharp, aggressive and in control throughout, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s brace setting the tempo before second-half goals from captain Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach underlined their dominance.
Daniel Farke’s side showed a level of cohesion and confidence that has become increasingly familiar in recent weeks, turning a crucial relegation six-pointer into a statement win.
After enduring a difficult run that saw them lose six of seven league matches, Leeds have now taken eight points from their last four. The manner of the Crystal Palace victory highlighted just how far they have come, with performances now matching results as they push to pull clear of danger.
Simon Jordan praises Leeds United after his favourite Crystal Palace got thrashed
Jordan once owned Crystal Palace and is still an avid fan of the south London club. He conceded that the Eagles were as poor as they could have been at Elland Road.
However, he is enjoying Leeds doing well in the Premier League and admitted that he ridiculed Dominic Calvert-Lewin earlier in the season, he is scoring the goals for the Whites.
He stressed that Leeds were at it against Palace, and Elland Road is an intimidating place, which is helping Leeds get away from the relegation zone.
Jordan said on talkSPORT: “First of all, I like Leeds, the football club, and it’s great they have suddenly come alive.
“While I was ridiculing Dominic Calvert-Lewin and his handbag, he does score goals, and he is scoring goals.
“As bad as Palace were, Leeds were at it.
“Elland Road is a fortress, and it’s intimidating. I am glad that Leeds are going and getting away from the relegation zone.”
Leeds are turning heads in the Premier League
Not long ago, when Leeds went into the break 2-0 down at Manchester City, relegation felt inevitable.
The Whites looked short on confidence, struggled for goals and were being punished for defensive mistakes. Everything changed when Farke overhauled his system at the Etihad — a turning point that has reshaped their season.
Since then, Leeds have scored 13 goals, gone four games unbeaten and taken eight valuable points. Crucially, they have become a real problem for Premier League sides that have grown used to coasting thanks to the poor quality of promoted teams in recent seasons.
| Pos | Club | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Fulham | 16 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 23 | 26 | -3 | 20 |
| 16 | Leeds United | 17 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 24 | 31 | -7 | 19 |
| 17 | Nottingham Forest | 16 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 17 | 25 | -8 | 18 |
| 18 | West Ham | 17 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 19 | 35 | -16 | 13 |
| 19 | Burnley | 17 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 19 | 34 | -15 | 11 |
| 20 | Wolves | 17 | 0 | 2 | 15 | 9 | 37 | -28 | 2 |
Clubs like West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Fulham can no longer rely on newcomers to prop up the table, with Leeds forcing them into uncomfortable territory.
There is no room for complacency, but Leeds are no longer just fighting to survive — they are disrupting the safety net many established sides have relied on for years.
