Alan Smith
Former Arsenal forward on Sky Sports

What a goal it would've been. It's their best chance of the match. He's so reliable usually.

It would've come at an opportune moment after Arsenal have faced pressure at the other end.

Huge praise must go to Leeds boss Daniel Farke.

It's not that long ago that people were questioning how long he would remain in his job following a run of six losses in seven matches.

But he has uncovered a system that works for this team - and how it has clicked!

A change for each side.

Thierno Barry is replaced by Beto.

Viktor Gyokeres is replaced by Gabriel Jesus.

So close to 2-0!

Leandro Trossard finds himself in acres of space running in at the back post. He tries to bend one into the bottom far corner but it's pings off the post.

Big chance.

Image source, Reuters

Should be four!

But Crystal Palace survive a goalmouth scramble, thanks to a superb stop by Dean Henderson and some desperate last-ditch defending.

Elland Road is ROCKING.

Lee Hendrie
Former Aston Villa midfielder on Sky Sports

It's been a really gritty, tough performance from Leeds. There's a real sense of energy and bite. The goals have come from reactions, long throws and corners, where they have been a constant threat to Palace.

Ethan Ampadu has scored his very first Premier League goal on his 41st appearance in the competition.

It's the first time Leeds have scored as many as three goals in three consecutive Premier League home games since the 2001-02 campaign.

Lee Hendrie
Former Aston Villa midfielder on Sky Sports

All three goals have come from instinct haven't they? Ampadu just reacts. It's really poor defending from Palace, someone has to go out and win that ball. Henderson is caught on his heels a bit and Ampadu prods home.

There's a brief check for offside, but the hosts are able to celebrate again as referee Thomas Bramall confirms Ethan Ampadu's goal.

The Leeds captain's name is echoing around Elland Road. What a night this is turning out to be for the home fans!

Thierno Barry received a bit of treatment. Sore one but he's fine.

Everton are furious again as Thierno Barry is once again on the end of a foul, this time it's from Piero Hincapie and David Moyes is absolutely livid that no yellow card has been brandished.

Image source, Reuters

Alan Smith
Former Arsenal forward on Sky Sports

It happens so often. One player gets there first and the other kicks their foot.

Video Assistant Refereepublished at 21:21 GMT 20 December 2025

21:21 GMT 20 December 2025

Everton 0-1 Arsenal

Thierno Barry and William Saliba both go for the ball, high boots raised in the area.

VAR has a quick look but it doesn't look like there's enough for a penalty.

Eddie Nketiah is chased back into his own half as Leeds continue to hunt down their opponents relentlessly, with Palace enjoying a spell of possession up the pitch.

Still no signs of the hosts letting them back into this.

Alan Smith
Former Arsenal forward on Sky Sports

That partnership from Saka and Timber, I thought White and Saka's was good, but this might be better.

They've linked up plenty of times tonight to good effect.

Everton scream for a penalty as Martin Zubimendi brings down Thierno Barry.

I'm not sure that was actually inside the box. Either way the referee was having none of it and VAR confirm there was nothing in it.

Oliver Glasner's decision to fully rotate his squad this week has certainly not brought the desired outcome so far.

Palace face an additional two-legged play-off to keep their European dream alive after failing to beat Finnish champions KuPS on Thursday with a rotated side, and look set to miss their chance to go fifth here unless they can find an extra gear or two.

Image source, Reuters

Arsenal would have doubled their lead if not for a last-ditch clearance from James Tarkowski.

It's just starting to liven up a little.

Viktor Gyokeres gets on a long run and somehow bundles through a couple of Everton defenders before it's finally smothered.

Everton have started the half with a couple of shots. But none have been on target.

Still, it's a start.