Leeds United manager Javi Gracia was left disappointed after his side were soundly beaten 5-1 by Crystal Palace at Elland Road. The hosts had taken the lead through an early goal from Patrick Bamford, but their joy was short-lived as Palace equalised just before half-time. This, according to Gracia, changed the game and his team were unable to respond in the second half.
Speaking after the match, Gracia said: “The equaliser just before half-time changed the game. We were not strong enough in the second half and we paid for it.” The defeat was a major blow for Leeds’ hopes of qualifying for Europe next season and leaves them in 10th place in the Premier League table.
For Palace, the win was a huge boost to their survival hopes as they moved up to 15th place and now sit seven points clear of the relegation zone. The victory was also their first away win in the league since December and manager Roy Hodgson was understandably delighted with his team’s performance.
He said: “We knew it would be a difficult game but we showed great character and resilience to come back from a goal down and then take control of the game. We scored some great goals and I’m very pleased with the result.”
The result will be a major disappointment for Leeds, who had been hoping to build on their impressive recent form. However, they will now have to pick themselves up and focus on their next game against Arsenal on April 17th.
The defeat to Palace was a harsh reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football and Leeds will be hoping that this result does not derail their season. For Palace, it was a crucial win that could prove to be a turning point in their bid for survival.
Leeds United manager Javi Gracia was left ruing his team’s 5-1 defeat at home to Crystal Palace, with the equaliser just before half-time proving to be a major turning point in the match. Gracia admitted that his team were not strong enough in the second half and paid the price for it. The loss was a major setback for Leeds’ European ambitions, while Palace’s victory was a huge boost to their survival hopes as they moved seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Roy Hodgson was understandably pleased with his team’s performance, praising their character and resilience to come back from a goal down and take control of the game. The win was Palace’s first away victory since December and could prove to be a pivotal moment in their fight against relegation.
The result was a harsh reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football and Leeds will now have to regroup ahead of their next match against Arsenal on April 17th. They will be hoping that this result does not derail their season and that they can quickly get back to winning ways.