Crossword Genius

It made a difference when targeted (5,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aimed at

'targeted' is the definition.
('aim at' can be a synonym of 'target')

'it made a difference' is the wordplay.
'difference' is an anagram indicator.
'it'+'made'+'a'='itmadea'
'itmadea' is an anagram of 'AIMED AT'.

'when' is the link.

(Another definition for aimed at that I've seen is " Directed towards".)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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