Four takeaways from Crystal Palace’s superb 5-1 win at Leeds – Johnstone shines as Eagles rack up big win despite Zaha’s absence

Crystal Palace took a major step towards Premier League safety with a 5-1 win at Leeds United yesterday.

Here are Adam Sells’ takeaways from the Premier League match

NO WILF, NO PROBLEM

Palace equalled their biggest-ever Premier League victory without Wilfried Zaha.

The Eagles had struggled for goals all season, particularly away from home and prior to the game Palace had scored 10 goals on their travels in the entire season. Palace increased that goals for total by 50 per cent in a classic game of two halves.

After a challenging first half in a white-hot atmosphere, Marc Guehi’s volley on the stroke of half-time changed the picture and Palace never looked back.

Both teams had looked susceptible when defending set-plays and it was no surprise that both first-half goals came from dead balls delivered into the danger zone.

Jeffrey Schlupp had already hit the post from a header in the same manner 20 minutes or so earlier.

SUPER SAM

Sam Johnstone has had to wait for his chance, due to the incredible consistency of Vicente Guaita. Johnstone proved his worth in his first Premier League game for the club, producing a string of fabulous first-half saves when his team were under the cosh.

Johnstone’s magnificent performance proved the platform for this victory and Roy Hodgson was quick to acknowledge this during his post-match press conference.

The England international goalkeeper made six saves during the opening 45 minutes to keep his side in the game.

Johnstone became the third keeper to appear for Palace in the Premier League this season and it shows just how strong the goalkeeping unit is at the club, with all three at different stages of their careers.

Much credit must go to goalkeeping coach Dean Kiely, who has assembled a strong goalkeeping unit. Has any Premier League club ever fielded three different goalkeepers in successive games?

The last time Palace won 5-1 away from SE25, Johnstone was on the receiving end – as the West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper at The Hawthorns. Sunday was Sam’s day and it was well deserved.

ROY’S THE CONDUCTOR OF THE BAND

Hodgson described himself as knowing the “music” and “notes” his team must play in his post-match press conference. He has most definitely found a way to get a tune out of them so far.

Palace’s attacking play had been of much concern all season, but in the second period here the attacking players took centre stage.

The likes of Eberechi Eze and Jeffrey Schlupp, in particular, have struggled to find form this term but they have thrived in the past couple of weeks under the new manager.

Odsonne Edouard and Jordan Ayew found themselves on the scoresheet, while Michael Olise provided three assists in a five-star show.

With the same personnel, Hodgson has his team attacking with real intent. Last week his team should have scored more, given the number of chances created. This week the ruthless streak was there as Palace turned the game on its head.

Roy Hodgson and Ray Lewington are top coaches, make no mistake.

BELIEVE

Palace have been able to turn around a deficit to win in both games since the change of manager.

For balance, this happened four times earlier in the season under Patrick Vieira too.

What is clear is there is some real talent in the group, but confidence is a huge factor.

The new management team have reinvigorated a group that had lost its way.

When we believe, anything is possible.