Leeds United extended their winless run to five games with a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Here’s a look at the winners and losers to emerge from the contest.
Winners
Rasmus Kristensen
Arguably his best performance in a Leeds shirt so far. He’s growing in confidence as he produced a number of superb challenges and blocks to keep Wilfried Zaha quiet and Leeds in the game at times.
Read more: Leeds United player ratings as Harrison and Bamford fail to make openings pay in Crystal Palace loss
He enjoyed himself against Villa and he looked the part at Selhurst Park, too, as he continues to keep Luke Ayling out of the team. He was tested by Zaha, but he held his position well and put in a number of high quality challenges.
His block in the second half, which he celebrated as though he’d scored a goal, looked absolutely crucial at the time, as well.
Pascal Struijk
Got Leeds off to a superb start by bagging a goal in the 10th minute of the game. Brenden Aaronson had a huge say in the goal, weaving his way into the area and skipping five attempted challenges.
The American somehow managed to get a shot away, with struck the upright before bouncing perfectly for the left-back to lash home. Struijk has been under pressure with Junior Firpo edging towards fitness once more, albeit he wasn’t involved at all at Selhurst Park, but he looks to have secured that spot for the time being at least.
Patrick Bamford
There had been some debate about who would come into the side in place of the suspended Luis Sinisterra. Jesse Marsch had made a point of praising Crysencio Summerville in his pre-match press conference but opted to shuffle his attacking pack, with Bamford coming back into the side.
The striker hadn’t started a game since picking up a groin injury against Southampton back in August, but was chosen to lead the line in what was another big step forward. He stretched the defensive line early in the game and looked to get the better of Marc Guehi on occasions as he went in search of his first senior goal of the season.
The striker looked rusty as the game went on, though, and after struggling to get going in the second half and he was replaced by Crysencio Summerville after an hour.
Losers
Crysencio Summerville
Despite praising the form of Summerville before the game, Marsch decided against giving the 20-year-old his first Premier League start in favour of Bamford. The youngster had to settle for a spot on the bench and he watched the first half from the sidelines.
He got the nod after the hour mark, though, coming on to replace Bamford and taking up the right-wing spot. However, he just couldn’t make a lasting impact on the game. He struggled to impress in possession and largely failed to make the most of his chance.
Jack Harrison
After starting the season so brightly, Harrison’s form seems to have dipped considerably in recent weeks, turning in subpar performances against Villa and Palace. The winger switched back to the left wing at Selhurst Park but he struggled to make his mark on the game and looked noticeably short of confidence.
Harrison will have to play a crucial role if Leeds are to end their five-game winless run against Arsenal next week, that’s for certain.
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