Dominic Calvert-Lewin under-the-radar antics sum up Leeds United right now
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is in the form of his life for Leeds United, having scored six in his last five Premier League games.
The 28-year-old grabbed a first-half brace on Saturday night, as Leeds beat Crystal Palace 4-1 at Elland Road to go six points clear of the relegation zone.
Calvert-Lewin got on the end of an Ethan Ampadu long throw to score the opener, before finding space at the back post to head home the second of the evening.
However, it was the centre-forward’s reaction to one of the later Leeds goals that caught Nigel Martyn’s attention.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin wildly celebrates Anton Stach’s free-kick
After Calvert-Lewin had given Daniel Farke’s side a 2-0 half-time lead against Crystal Palace, the Whites slammed home their advantage in the second period.
Ampadu added a third on the hour mark, before Justin Devenny pulled one back for Palace from the penalty spot in the 92nd minute.
With the game drawing to a close, Leeds were awarded a penalty after Borna Sosa tripped Ilia Gruev, but VAR overturned the decision, rightly determining that the contact happened outside the area.
The Whites were given a free-kick on the edge of the box instead, and Anton Stach stepped up to curl a delicious strike over the wall and past Dean Henderson.
Speaking to LUTV after the game, former goalkeeper Martyn highlighted the reaction of Calvert-Lewin as the fourth goal went in.
He said: “I think that’s something that’s really coming through this team – how much of a team they are together.
“You saw Dominic Calvert-Lewin celebrating the fourth goal when it went in from the substitutes’ bench. His night’s done.
“He could easily just sit down and not bother, but that shows how much they’re together, and that can only be a good thing going forward.”
How has Daniel Farke got the feel-good factor back at Leeds?
Farke looked set for the sack at Leeds less than a month ago, with his side firmly in the relegation zone and showing little sign of fight.
Since a switch of formation and mentality at half-time against Manchester City, though, the Whites have been a completely different side.
Farke has brought Jaka Bijol back into the starting lineup, giving Leeds more solidity in defensive areas, with the 26-year-old also providing a constant threat from set-pieces.
The German has also opted for a more direct style, utilising Calvert-Lewin’s strengths, and is now reaping the rewards.
These subtle tweaks helped improve the performance levels, and with good results quickly following, Leeds suddenly have the confidence to challenge any side in the Premier League.
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