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Martin Keown: Leeds United collapse one of worst in Premier League after 'Huge' moment
Martin Keown has sounded a scathing warning to Leeds United that there can be no repeat of the collapse against Crystal Palace if they are to secure their Premier League survival, in his Daily Mail tactics feature.
The former Arsenal player described the second-half slump as one of the worst ever seen in the Premier League as Javi Gracia’s men wilted under the heat from Palace in the 1-5 defeat at Elland Road.
He warned that a different tactical approach will be essential in the upcoming games, starting at home to Liverpool on Monday night.
Keown outlined that more structure and support will be required in front of the Whites’ defence: “The second half was a capitulation, one of the worst seen in Premier League history.
“Gracia’s team now have two tough games, against Liverpool and Fulham, then followed by Leicester and Bournemouth, two sides also in the relegation race.
“That Palace loss was a huge wake-up call for Leeds. They need to provide their back four with protection and not be so obsessed with pressing, which may be a hangover from the Marcelo Bielsa era.
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“Leeds now live in hope that the calamitous collapse against Palace was a one-off as they aim to remain a Premier League club.”
One extreme to another
A game of two halves doesn’t even come close to describing the game last Sunday.
Yes, Leeds were much better early on, only for Palace to rally, taking full advantage of how poor they were later on but the extent of the difference was massive. It really was from one extreme to another.
As stated by Keown in his piece, the first half hour from Gracia’s side was electric. Passing, running, competing, attacking. They should have had more than one goal but they were not watertight at the back with a couple of chances for the visitors.
Palace got their equaliser just before half-time and never looked back. The returning Roy Hodgson will have been delighted by the stunning, emphatic victory.
Now, it is all about the reaction for Gracia and Leeds. They need to show character and resolve immediately, otherwise, they could be in trouble in the drop zone.
In other Leeds news, Klopp wants Liverpool revenge on Leeds hurt by ‘Magic Roy’ & Crystal Palace.