Dominic Calvert-Lewin inspired Leeds United to a commanding Premier League victory over Crystal Palace, scoring twice in a 4-1 triumph at a raucous Elland Road. The striker's brace made him the first Leeds player to score in five consecutive top-flight matches since Mark Viduka in 2003, a feat that helped propel his side six points clear of the relegation zone.
From Summer Uncertainty to Elland Road Hero
The former Everton forward, who was without a club for much of the summer before signing with the newly-promoted side in mid-August, is now the darling of the Leeds faithful. His remarkable turnaround was celebrated by almost 40,000 fans chanting his name, a scenario few could have predicted during his protracted period of unemployment.
The match began with Palace attempting to control the tempo, perhaps mindful of a gruelling schedule featuring nine games in 26 days. Oliver Glasner made eleven changes from their previous outing, but his side struggled to ever truly compete. An early clash of heads between Marc Guéhi and Calvert-Lewin caused concern, but both players continued.
Set-Piece Onslaught Breaks Palace Resistance
Leeds's game plan was evident from the outset: bombard the Palace penalty area with set-pieces. The strategy paid dividends after Dean Henderson, the former Manchester United goalkeeper, had drawn the ire of the home crowd with his deliberate goal-kick preparations.
The breakthrough arrived from a familiar source. A long throw from Ethan Ampadu was flicked on to Calvert-Lewin at the back post. His initial effort was saved by Henderson, but the striker was quickest to react to the rebound, tapping home to send Elland Road into euphoria. Chants of "England's number nine" echoed around the stadium for a player who had previously taken 40 appearances to score his last five goals.
Leeds doubled their lead with an almost identical move. Another long throw, another flick-on, and Calvert-Lewin was once again the sharpest in the six-yard box, guiding a precise header past Henderson to score his sixth goal in five games.
Ampadu Seals the Points Before Late Flurry
The third goal, which effectively killed the contest, also came from a set-piece. A corner was headed back into the danger area by Brenden Aaronson, and the unmarked Ampadu, the Leeds captain, was on hand to jab the ball home from close range.
Both Calvert-Lewin and Ampadu received standing ovations when substituted late on. Palace managed a consolation goal from the penalty spot through Justin Devenny, but Leeds had the final say when Anton Stoch restored the three-goal margin in the 101st minute.
The result allows Leeds to enjoy the festive period with significant breathing space above the bottom three. For a weary Crystal Palace, who face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, the search for the energy they lacked in Yorkshire becomes desperately urgent.
