Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has urged striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to cement his status as a club legend after his brace inspired a crucial 4-1 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace at Elland Road.
Calvert-Lewin's Scoring Streak Continues
The former Everton forward, who joined on a free transfer last summer, was in scintillating form on Saturday 20 December 2025. He netted two first-half goals, taking his tally to six goals in his last five Premier League appearances. This marks the first time Calvert-Lewin has scored in five consecutive top-flight matches since October 2020, and his first league double since November of that same year.
His clinical finishing helped dismantle a Palace side that arrived with the division's best away record this season. Skipper Ethan Ampadu added a third after the break – his first league goal for Leeds – before a late flurry. Palace substitute Justin Devenny converted a stoppage-time penalty, but Anton Stach immediately restored the three-goal cushion with a superb free-kick.
Farke's Challenge to His In-Form Striker
While delighted with the performance, boss Daniel Farke issued a clear challenge to his number nine, warning against complacency. "Right now he's on a path to be a top-class player for Leeds United and also a Leeds United hero," Farke stated.
"But you know my attitude – I don't like to speak about quality and top-class players just after a few weeks or a good couple of months," he continued. "You have to show this with consistency over the whole season. But if he keeps going in this way and keeps delivering, then we would speak about an outstanding season. I want him to keep going, not to be happy with a good couple of months."
Palace's 'Embarrassing' Defensive Display
The result, which makes it four games unbeaten for Leeds and moves them six points clear of the relegation zone, was a harsh reality check for Oliver Glasner's Eagles. The Palace head coach did not hold back in his criticism, particularly of his team's set-piece defending.
"Every single set-play was dangerous," Glasner admitted. "I can't remember one big chance from open play, to be honest, but every single set-piece – we could have conceded two or three more. It is embarrassing. It's how I feel."
He added that his side were second best in the basics, saying: "Maybe I talk too much about tactics and not enough about the basics, because in the basics, Leeds were so much better." The defeat, their fifth and heaviest of the campaign, saw Palace slip from fifth to eighth in the Premier League table.
For Leeds, the victory continues a strong recovery from a difficult November, providing a major boost to their survival hopes and highlighting the transformative impact of their summer signing.
