Player ratings from Crystal Palace’s 5-1 win at Leeds – Olise the star at Elland Road as Johnstone stakes claim
Crystal Palace thrashed Leeds United 5-1 on Sunday afternoon.
A brace from Jordan Ayew and goals from Eberechi Eze, Odsonne Edouard and Marc Guehi gave Palace all three points.
Michael Olise picked up a hat-trick of assists in the second half.
Here are Edmund Brack’s player ratings from Elland Road:
SAM JOHNSTONE – 8
A handful of really smart stops in the opening 15 minutes to stop Leeds from taking the early lead. The best of the bunch came from a save to deny Brenden Aaronson’s close-range flick.
Was absolutely outstanding in the first half and kept Palace in the game.
JOEL WARD – 7
The thought process could have been that Nathaniel Clyne would have been better suited in the battle against Luis Sinisterra, but Joel Ward dealt with the winger admirably.
Was also very good against Willy Gnonto, despite Ward being on a yellow card.
JOACHIM ANDERSEN – 7
Very solid defensively and kept Patrick Bamford extremely quiet from open play.
MARC GUEHI – 7
Did well to react before Meslier and prod the loose ball past the French keeper to bring Palace level just beyond half time.
TYRICK MITCHELL – 7
Lost Patrick Bamford for Leeds’ opener. You have to wonder why he was tasked with the responsibility of marking the forward, but nonetheless, should have done better.
However, was excellent in the second half.
CHEICK DOUCOURE – 6
Gave the ball away in the first half which allowed Marc Roca to take aim from distance.
Settled into the second half and formed the defensive base for Schlupp, Eze and Olise to drive forward with a vengeance.
JEFFREY SCHLUPP – 8
Should have equalised in the 25th minute – hitting the post from a Michael Olise corner.
Brought energy and enthusiasm to the side throughout the game. Looks revitalised since Hodgson’s return.
Completed seven of his nine dribbles and won four of his five tackles.
EBERECHI EZE – 8
His free-kick led to Guehi’s equaliser. Beautiful play to link up with Olise to score Palace’s third.
The Greenwich-born attacker and Olise both made Elland Road their dance floor on Sunday afternoon.
Another player who has drastically improved under Hodgson. Completed nine of his 10 dribbles.
JORDAN AYEW – 8
Nearly found a way for the Eagles to get back into the game in the 33rd minute – heading a corner just wide of Illan Meslier’s post.
Took his first goal really well, escaping Luka Ayling’s grasp and heading past Meslier.
Also showed great composure to slot Will Hughes’ deflected shot past the French keeper.
ODSONNE EDOUARD – 8
Lead the line well and chased everything down. Took his goal really well to add Palace’s fourth.
MICHAEL OLISE – 9
Was not at his best in the first half – poor decision-making when in possession. Was a different class in the second 45. Two brilliant assists in quick succession to put Palace 3-1 up.
Another assist for Edouard’s goal and Palace’s fourth. Stepped up in Zaha’s absence and made Elland Road his dance floor.
SUBS
WILL HUGHES – 7
Replaced Edouard in the 74th minute and grabbed an assist for Ayew’s second.
JAMES MCARTHUR – NA
LUKA MILIVOJEVIC – NA
JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA – NA
NATHANIEL CLYNE – NA