Crystal Palace produced one of the standout performances of Roy Hodgson’s first spell in charge on 7 November 2020, beating Leeds United 4-1 at Selhurst Park in a match played behind closed doors.
The Eagles had made an uneven start to the 2020/21 Premier League season, winning three and losing three of their opening seven games. However, they began brightly in south London after the previous weekend’s defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Scott Dann opened the scoring after 12 minutes, powering Ebere Eze’s corner into the net. It was the attacker’s first assist since joining Palace, and he soon added a landmark goal of his own.
Ten minutes after Dann’s opener, Eze won a free-kick after being fouled by Robin Koch before sending an inch-perfect effort over the wall and in off the crossbar. The strike marked his first goal for the club.
Leeds responded through Patrick Bamford, who volleyed home after Mateusz Klich’s set-up. Palace restored their advantage before half-time when Patrick van Aanholt’s cutback was turned past Illan Meslier by Helder Costa.
Wilfried Zaha then created Palace’s fourth in the 70th minute, finding Jordan Ayew across the box. The Ghanaian finished the move to complete a convincing victory and cap an afternoon of firsts for Eze in red and blue.
