Credit: Match of the Day

Max Wilkins

Mon 18 May 2026 8:10, UK

Leeds United star Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been singled out for praise after his winning goal against Brighton on Sunday.

The Whites bowed out at Elland Road this season with three points as a late winner secured three points for Daniel Farke’s side.

The England international was ultimately able to rip his shirt off in celebration and cap off a superb debut campaign in Yorkshire.

He has been central to glowing reviews in LS11 throughout the year, and that hasn’t changed in the penultimate Premier League outing.

Leeds secured an excellent 1-0 win over Brighton, with Dublin quick to single out the number nine for his impact.

Dion Dublin examines Dominic Calvert-Lewin winner vs Brighton

The 29-year-old came in on a free transfer from Everton in the summer and was certainly met with some contrasting welcome messages.

Any reservations have now subsided entirely after hitting 15 goal involvements to help the Whites avoid relegation from the Premier League with ease.

There have been some dry spells throughout the campaign, but he was able to sign off at Elland Road in perfect fashion.

His late winner saw him pounce on a Brighton error before going round Bart Verbruggen and finding the net to seal three points.

Dublin was impressed by the Englishman’s work as he highlighted his strike on Match of the Day.

He said: “Instinct from Dominic Calvert-Lewin. He’s just waiting for any kind of mistake; he’s on it like a shot, he calms himself down, and it’s an open net. It’s a very clever finish.

“He’s been a risk worth taking, just in case you can manage him in the right way. He’s been great, outstanding for Leeds.”

The forward made sure Leeds secured victory against Brighton and helped the Whites climb up the table with just one match now remaining.

Bart Verbruggen got it very wrong vs Leeds United

No one inside Elland Road was sitting around waiting and deciding who was at fault for the Seagulls to allow Calvert-Lewin to find the net.

Jan Paul van Hecke’s backpass was short and certainly made things easier for the Englishman, but he wasn’t totally at fault for the goal.

Former Fulham and Chelsea keeper Mark Schwarzer has actually blamed Verbruggen for making the wrong call to rush out of his goal.

Also speaking on Match of the Day, he added: “Van Hecke’s ball is poor, Verbruggen has to make a split-second decision. Dunk’s there, and he makes the wrong one.

“The right decision would have been to drop deeper to his line because what he does by making that decision, Calvert-Lewin knows he just needs to beat him to the ball, a couple of touches around him, and he’s got an open goal. That’s exactly what he does.”

Leeds won’t care and can just be pleased that their number nine was able to convert and make a difficult chance look rather easy.