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Alan Smith in awe of Brenden Aaronson moment in first half v Crystal Palace
Alan Smith was in awe of a magical moment from Brenden Aaronson for Leeds United in the first half of their Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace.
Pascal Struijk opened the scoring for Jesse Marsch’s side in the 10th minute before Odsonne Édouard equalised with a header from a free kick in the 24th minute of the match.
However, Smith was full of praise for Aaronson after his brilliant run in the lead-up to Struijk’s first-half finish for Marsch’s men.
“What a run that was from Brendan Aaronson, that was absolutely sensational,” said Smith [Sky Sports commentary, 14:10, 9 October].
“He gets fouled a couple of times along the way and stumbles through a couple of challenges but he always keeps control of the football. He practically beats the whole of the Palace defence on his own, it’s wonderful stuff from him.
Good start
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What a moment of magic that was from Aaronson. He has been a shining light for the Whites this season and his mesmerising run against the Palace defence helped his side to a deserved 10th-minute lead. Palace were fortunate to equalise against the run of play and it means a big second half is ahead for the Whites.
Leeds’ outcome at Palace this afternoon will ultimately allow us to judge how they have started the first quarter of the Premier League season. If they come away empty-handed then it’s fair to say it’s been a disappointing start for Marsch, particularly after the busy summer window at Elland Road.
However, a win could take Leeds back into the top half of the Premier League and many would judge that as a relatively solid start to the campaign.
The Whites are without a win since their 3-0 demolition job over Chelsea at Elland Road and have yet to pick up a win on the road this season.
Leeds must work out a way of being more effective on the road and a win a Selhurst Park this afternoon will give Marsch’s side plenty of confidence heading into a busy period before the World Cup gets underway.
It’s certainly been a positive start in South London and let’s hope it kickstarts a consistent run of form on the road for Leeds.
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