Bamford notches up triple figures
Leeds – Patrick Bamford scored his 100th career goal as Leeds United cruised to a 2-0 win against Crystal Palace on Monday.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side took the lead through Jack Harrison’s early strike at Elland Road.
Bamford reached his century after the interval to seal Leeds’ third win in their last four Premier League games.
His 12th goal of the season was a sweet moment for Bamford, who had a miserable loan spell at Palace in 2015-16 while on the books at Chelsea.
“The most important thing is getting the three points but it’s nice to get to 100 career goals. It’s probably long overdue,” Bamford said.
“I captained myself in Fantasy Football. After I missed that one in the first half I was kicking myself so I’m glad I scored.”
Leeds are up to 10th place and their impressive first season back in the top-flight could yet feature a late push for a Europa League berth.
A first clean-sheet since 29 December was another welcome boost for Bielsa after six games without keeping the opposition at bay.
“We didn’t commit any errors that would facilitate their attack. Our offence was good enough to get the two goals and we could have scored more,” Bielsa said.
“The most important thing is to show consistency. To have a period of the season where we have consistent results.”
Mid-table Palace have now lost 17 of their past 19 league matches without Ivory Coast forward Wilfried Zaha, who was sidelined after suffering a hamstring injury in the win at Newcastle last Tuesday.
Jean-Philippe Mateta, a January loan signing from Mainz, made his Palace debut in Zaha’s absence.
Bamford ensured they would not improve on that dismal sequence when he netted his landmark 100th goal in the 52nd minute. –