Good Morning. It's Monday 15th December, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds secure well deserved point at Brentford
Dominic Calvert-Lewin extended his remarkable run of form by scoring in his fourth successive match as Leeds United came from behind to secure a well-earned 1-1 draw at Brentford on Sunday afternoon. Veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson broke the deadlock for the Bee's with just 20 minutes remaining yet could still be credited an an own goal as replays show his effort was heading for the woodwork, before glancing off Bijol. Leeds refused to buckle under pressure. In a tightly contested encounter with few clear-cut chances, it was Calvert-Lewin who again proved decisive. The England international timed his run impeccably to meet a pinpoint cross from substitute Wilfried Gnonto in the 82nd minute, heading home with composure and extending his goal tally to four in as many games.
Leeds’ performance underlines the vital contribution of Calvert-Lewin’s intelligence, strength and aerial prowess up front. Fans had questioned his end product following seven goalless appearances earlier this season, but goals against Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and now Brentford have silenced doubters and injected fresh belief into Daniel Farke's side. That confidence showed in the final third, where Leeds outshot Brentford 15 to 8, registered five attempts on target to three and claimed three corners while keeping their hosts at zero. Gabriel Gudmundsson almost gifted the hosts a 35th minute lead by giving away a clumsy penalty, the Swedish International with both hands around the waist of the Burkinabé International, who obviously went to ground under the challenge.
Referee Simon Hooper pointed to the spot, only for VAR to intervene and chalk the penalty off by the narrowest of offside margins, much to the relief of Leeds and their travelling fans. On the balance of play, a draw was a just outcome. Brentford had looked dangerous in bursts, but Leeds were more than a match for them, demonstrating resilience and tactical discipline. Noah Okafor dominated proceedings in the first half for Leeds, demonstrating breathtaking close ball control, rapid speed and tying defenders up in knots. He was denied his third goal of the campaign only by Kelleher's outstetched leg, whilst at the other end Keane Lewis-Potter rifled a shot that Perri did well to parry to safety.
The point means Leeds remain out of the relegation zone in 17th position in the Premier League table, three points clear of 18th place West Ham United, who lost 3-2 to Aston Villa earlier in the day, while the Whites sit two points adrift of 16th-placed Nottingham Forest. This result sees Leeds go three league matches unbeaten for the first time since August 2022, a run that proves that Daniel Farke, and his side have plenty of fight left in them. With Calvert-Lewin hitting peak form at just the right moment, Farke will hope his side can build on this momentum and steer clear of a dogfight at the bottom as the season enters its festive phase.
Could DCL signing prove to be bargain of the season
How much is Dominic Calvert-Lewin worth to Leeds United? Right now, the answer feels almost priceless. Since arriving on a free transfer from Everton in the summer, the 28-year-old England striker has steadily grown into Daniel Farke’s preferred centre-forward, and recent weeks have underlined just how vital he is to Leeds’s survival hopes. After a rocky start that saw seven goalless appearances in all competitions, Calvert-Lewin finally kicked into gear when Farke switched to a 5-3-2 formation. Suddenly, his intelligence in the box, aerial power and sheer physical presence began to pay dividends.
Take his workmanlike display at Brentford: despite contending all afternoon with defenders like Nathan Collins and Sepp van den Berg, Calvert-Lewin never stopped probing. His moment arrived late on, when Wilfried Gnonto floated in a teasing cross and the former Everton man rose highest to head beyond Caoimhin Kelleher and rescue a point. It was classic Calvert-Lewin, no frills, just a ruthless finish under pressure. “Yes, he is a fantastic striker, it was never in doubt,” Farke told the BBC after the game. “His CV speaks for itself. One of the best English strikers we have in the Premier League. We are blessed to have him.”
That endorsement speaks volumes. Critics once questioned his end product, pointing to a long scoring drought, but Leeds’ recent three-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, their first since August 2022 - owes much to Calvert-Lewin’s knack for finding the right spot at the right time. Beyond the goals, his work rate, hold-up play and willingness to occupy defenders create space for his teammates to thrive. Financially, bringing in a player of his calibre on a free transfer was shrewd business, even considering his handsome wages. At a club where transfer budgets are tight and every point matters, Calvert-Lewin’s impact has probably been worth far more than his weekly pay packet.
If Leeds do avoid the drop this season, or even push for something more, you can be sure the board will look back on his signing as one of the savviest pieces of business in recent memory. His intelligence, strength and aerial dominance up front have never been in doubt, but Leeds need to keep him fit, which with his injury record, is easier said than done. In recent weeks, Farke's side have shown that they have the kind of fighting spirit to stay up, but will need the financial support of the 49ers in the New Year if they are to manage it.
