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Leeds United suffered a monumental collapse on Sunday afternoon, leading 1-0 after 45 minutes but ultimately losing 5-1 to Crystal Palace at Elland Road. The stadium was half-empty at the full-time whistle after Leeds' unreal capitulation, and the remaining supporters only stayed to let the players know the extent of their embarrassment.
After an impressive 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest in midweek, Sunday was another proverbial relegation six-pointer with Palace just one point ahead of Leeds. Javi Gracia's side had found some confidence and started strongly with Brenden Aaronson personifying Leeds' growing belief.
The 22-year-old almost scored his first goal since August but Sam Johnstone denied his shot in the sixth-minute.
Brenden Aaronson almost scored this NASTY flick.
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 9, 2023
Aaronson's set-piece delivery was also on point, and his 21st-minute corner kick was met by Patrick Bamford for a deserved opener.
A wonderful ball by Brenden Aaronson leads to Patrick Bamford's 50th Leeds United goal!
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 9, 2023
Weston McKennie was playing well in the heart of midfield as well.
Weston McKennie made more tackles than any other player in the first half vs. Crystal Palace (4), while no player won more duels (6).
Putting himself about in the middle of midfield. #LEECRY pic.twitter.com/nPrD5SxjZv— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) April 9, 2023
But the moment it came undone was just before halftime. With one minute of stoppage time given, Marc Guéhi brought Palace level following a set piece.
Marc Guehi with a CRUCIAL goal right before the half!
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 9, 2023
That set the stage for Leeds' horror show in the second half. By the 77th-minute, the scoreboard read 5-1 in favor of Palace. When you're in the relegation battle, this sort of disintegration feels like a one-way ticket to the EFL Championship.
Crystal Palace with their second goal within 10 minutes to take the lead!
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 9, 2023
Crystal Palace suddenly lead 3-1 now at Elland Road!
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 9, 2023
¡Ya es goleada del Crystal Palace!
Odsonne Edouard agarró mal parada a la defensa del Leeds United y marcó de zurda su cuarto gol de la temporada.EN VIVO por @NBCUniverso y en Telemundo APP ➡️ https://t.co/xXjGeqOvuJ #LigaPremierTD pic.twitter.com/1pFnjPgPiT
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) April 9, 2023
¡Y LLEGÓ EL QUINTO DEL CRYSTAL PALACE!
Jordan Ayew marca su doblete y su tercer gol de la temporada en @premierleagueEN VIVO por @NBCUniverso y en Telemundo APP ➡️ https://t.co/xXjGeqOvuJ #LigaPremierTD pic.twitter.com/UEzLSjrcoZ
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) April 9, 2023
Aaronson was hooked in the 60th minute while McKennie played the full 90.
"The second half, we fell apart a bit. It was a freak result and one we will move on from," Bamford said. "It was one of those games where every mistake we made literally got punished... one game like that will not decide our season."
The result sends Roy Hodgson's Palace flying up to 12th place on 33 points. Leeds are stuck on 29 points (just two points above the relegation zone) and now sit 16th. Of their eight remaining matches, five are against teams in the top half of the table.
Next up is Liverpool at Elland Road on Monday, Apr. 17.
