Javier Alonso praised an outstanding team display after Crystal Palace Under-18s kept their U18 Premier League Cup title defence on track with a convincing 3-0 victory against Leeds United at the Academy.
Donte Martin scored twice and Raihaan Anderson added a header as Palace established a two-goal lead inside the opening 15 minutes. The Young Eagles controlled much of the contest, pressing high and creating several further opportunities before the interval.
Alonso felt his side could have been even further ahead at half-time, having spent long spells in Leeds territory and repeatedly threatened with quick attacks and crosses. He was also pleased with Palace’s organisation in every area of the game, including their defending and set-piece work, as they secured a clean sheet.
The importance of a third goal was underlined after Palace had recently surrendered a two-goal advantage against Tottenham Hotspur. Martin supplied it shortly after the hour mark, lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to complete his brace. Alonso said the message at half-time had been to continue attacking rather than protect the existing lead.
The result leaves Palace with a chance of progressing from the group stage. Their remaining fixture is against Aston Villa on Saturday, 7 November, and victory would put the Young Eagles in a strong position to reach the knockout rounds. Alonso believes the team’s recent improvement will leave them ready for the challenge.
