A Dominic Calvert-Lewin brace inspired Leeds United to a commanding 4-1 Premier League victory over a lethargic Crystal Palace at a raucous Elland Road. The win, sealed by further goals from Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stoch, opens a crucial six-point gap between Leeds and the relegation zone just before Christmas.
Calvert-Lewin Writes His Name Into Leeds History
The former Everton striker was the undisputed hero, becoming the first Leeds player to score in five consecutive top-flight matches since Mark Viduka in 2003. His journey to this point is remarkable, having been without a club for much of the summer before Leeds secured his signature in mid-August. The Elland Road faithful, almost 40,000 strong, celebrated his resurgence with chants of "England's number nine".
Calvert-Lewin's rich vein of form, yielding six goals in five games, starkly contrasts with a difficult start to his Leeds career where he managed just one goal in his first 13 appearances. His sharpness and confidence are visibly growing with each performance, offering a potent threat in a position where English options are scarce.
Set-Piece Onslaught Proves Decisive
Leeds's game plan to bombard the Palace penalty area was evident from the outset. The breakthrough arrived from a familiar source: a long throw from captain Ethan Ampadu. The ball was flicked on to Calvert-Lewin at the back post, and although his initial effort was saved by Dean Henderson, he reacted quickest to tap in the rebound.
The second goal followed a similar pattern. Another set-piece delivery found Calvert-Lewin unmarked, and he powered a precise header past Henderson to double the lead. Palace, making 11 changes from their midweek Europa Conference League draw, looked weary and struggled to cope with Leeds's physicality and aerial dominance.
Ampadu Caps Dominant Display
The points were secured when Ethan Ampadu stabbed home a third goal after more chaotic Palace defending from a corner. The Leeds captain's all-action performance was rewarded, and he and Calvert-Lewin received standing ovations when substituted late on.
Crystal Palace managed a late consolation from the penalty spot through Justin Devenny, but Leeds had the final say when substitute Anton Stoch restored the three-goal margin in the 101st minute. The result leaves Oliver Glasner's side with much to ponder before a daunting Carabao Cup tie against Arsenal on Tuesday.
For Leeds, the festive period looks considerably brighter. With two wins now separating them from 18th-placed West Ham, Daniel Farke's side can enjoy Christmas with renewed optimism, largely thanks to the prolific form of their resurrected number nine.
