Palace’s Eberechi Eze ‘didn’t even look up’ before scoring winning goal past Leeds keeper

Eberechi Eze has admitted that he did not look at Illian Meslier’s goal before striking Crystal Palace’s winner against against Leeds United yesterday.

The Greenwich-born playmaker scored in the 76th minute at Selhurst Park.

Palace beat Leeds 2-1 to secure their second Premier League win of the season.

Eze, signed from QPR in the summer of 2020, received the ball on the edge of the box after a clever flick inside from Wilfried Zaha.

The 24-year-old jinked past Liam Cooper and drilled a shot into the bottom left-hand corner, which rendered Illian Meslier motionless. It was Eze’s first goal of the season.

“I remember being in loads of space in the edge of the box and having the opportunity to score,” Eze told PalaceTV. “Wilf played a pass that took out a few players. There was a good link up on that left-hand side. When you’re playing with players such as this, there are always chances and opportunities.

“I don’t even think I looked up. I just had in my mind where I wanted to put it. I want to continue to be as effective as I can be, which is the most important thing.”

Eze has been starting alongside Michael Olise in a more advanced midfield role, with Cheick Doucoure acting as the defensive midfielder behind the attack-minded duo.

Eze and Olise have started the past two games next to each other.

“We have been working recently quite a bit – him coming inside, looking for each other and trying to play as much as we can,” said Eze.

“It was a bit difficult today, but at times we tried, and it worked. We were just grateful to get the three points.

“It’s good – it’s fun. There are loads of quality players in the team, and it’s good to link up with all of them.

“We just need to continue to get points as we did today.”

The Eagles have a favourable run of games, having played Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea in their opening seven Premier League fixtures.

They travel to bottom of the table Leicester City this weekend and then take on Wolves the following Tuesday.

“That’s the mindset now,” said Eze when asked if Palace needed to go on a run of results.

“We don’t want to drop any more points – we want to keep putting in performances like today.

“I’m sure it will pay off.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD