Leeds United

Flora Snelson
BBC Sport Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

In the summer transfer window, Leeds United fans were keen that the club armed themselves with a new striker to face the challenge of returning to the Premier League.

But did they want Dominic Calvert-Lewin?

On paper, Calvert-Lewin could have been seen as good business. With more than 50 Premier League goals under his belt, he has plenty of experience beating a top-flight goalkeeper and better still, Everton were content to let him go on a free.

A proven Premier League striker for zero pounds? You'd be lucky to find a better deal.

But Leeds fans certainly were not sure. In the four seasons since he scored 16 league goals for Everton, he had not come close to replicating that form - due, in part, to a questionable injury record.

Had the Whites simply swapped one injury-prone former 15+ goals a season Premier League striker - Patrick Bamford - for another?

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Midway through Calvert-Lewin's first season at Leeds though, the Sheffield-born striker's rich scoring streak has put his name back in the conversation about who England boss Thomas Tuchel should be taking to the World Cup in 2026.

So how do you feel about Calvert-Lewin now?

Excellent business for Leeds, or still too soon to call?

And what more does he have to do to seal his spot on that plane?

Tell us what you think here

Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked talks of an England recall.

The former Everton player has 11 caps and scored four goals but has not represented the nation since Euro 2020.

Ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes the striker will be in contention to go to the World Cup if he can keep his fine goalscoring run going.

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," he said. "That comes with playing consecutive games, scoring goals, then your confidence goes up as well. You can see he's got that strut back, that kind of confidence and belief in himself. Nobody's ever doubted his ability or attributes.

"If he maintains this level of form until the end of the season, then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place because his level at the moment is really high and he offers something different.

"He is fantastic in the air and could give teams real problems off the bench."

But competition for places behind captain Harry Kane is fierce.

Danny Welbeck, Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney could all be in contention, and Murphy believes Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, fresh off a double to sink Chelsea on Saturday is currently ahead of Calvert-Lewin.

Whether Calvert-Lewin will be with England next summer could hinge on how many specialist strikers boss Thomas Tuchel wants to have in his squad.

"Every player dreams of England and Calvert-Lewin has been in the squad before, scored goals and shown he is capable at that level, so will have that belief in himself," Murphy added.

"I think it might come down to whether Tuchel takes two or three centre-forwards. If it is three, he definitely has a chance."

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Sunderland and Leeds.

Here are some of your comments:

Sunderland fans

Nick: Possibly one of Sunderland's worst performances of the season, particularly in the second half. Really missed their Afcon players and Dan Ballard. Chris Rigg looked out of his depth at this level and needs protection so he doesn't lose his confidence. Bryan Brobbey and Wilson Isidor lacked the speed, skill, ideas and ability to execute while Granit Xhaka unfortunately had a poor game by his standards. In reality, we were lucky to get away with a draw but it is amazing to be sat in seventh place. We will bounce back (though the next game is going to be a massive challenge).

Colin: Leggy, but we can forgive them. To have 28 points and be unbeaten at home is amazing. Take a bow Regis and the lads.

Chris: Thought we were lucky. Leeds dominated the second half but on the plus point, we showed character and with players on Afcon duty, this was a good point in the end.

Gordon: Sunderland missed the physicality of Ballard. We still created a few good chances but just can't seem to take them when they come. How many times are we going to hit the woodwork this season? We can't complain with our points tally so far although we could do with some firepower up front.

Leeds fans

Stephen: A storming performance. Soaked up the early pressure from Sunderland before controlling much of the first half. Statistically dominated the second period including the crucial goals scored column. Dominic Calvert- Lewin had a superb all-round game capped off with finishing the move for the equaliser. A goal for the ages! With each passing match in the current unbeaten run, the general pattern of play across the team is becoming more accomplished.

Alasdair: Very good point away. A superb team goal and DCL delivers again! Brenden Aaronson has taken a lot of flack from some of the home support this year but he delivered a man of the match performance. Well done lad - keep it up.

Wayne: It's a good point all things considered after being 1-0 down but the way the first 30 minutes of the second half went, I'm a tad disappointed we didn't win. Nice to see 20 points on the board before the halfway stage. Seven points above 18th with a 10-plus goal difference on West Ham is not a bad place to be. We are five unbeaten and are now picking points up on the road. Elland Road is where it happens for us.

Thomas: I think Leeds will be kicking themselves as they let Sunderland off the hook. The second-half performance was exceptional and they should have taken the three points. I think Daniel Farke should have used his substitutes in the final 15 minutes as you could see both teams were out on their feet. Fans will hope Joe Rodon's injury isn't too serious as he been pivotal in their recent improvement.

Match of the Day pundits Joe Hart and Danny Murphy praise Leeds United's build-up play, which resulted in Dominic Calvert-Lewin's equaliser against Sunderland.

Pundits Joe Hart and Danny Murphy join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham

• Sunderland 1-1 Leeds

Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport journalist

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The numbers behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin's resurgence have been impressive.

After scoring just once in his first 10 Premier League appearances this season, the Leeds striker has exploded into form with seven goals in his past six matches - with his latest coming in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland on Sunday.

It made him the first Leeds player since John McCole in the 1959-60 season to net in six successive top-flight games.

The six-game scoring run is the longest scoring streak by an English striker in the Premier League since Jamie Vardy's eight-game sequence for Leicester City in 2019.

Incidentally, it also surpasses anything England captain Harry Kane has managed in the competition with the former Tottenham striker's best standing five-game scoring runs on two separate occasions.

Calvert-Lewin's purple patch has been the catalyst for Leeds' revival with Daniel Farke's side now collecting nine points from a possible 15 since the 3-2 defeat by Manchester City on 29 November.

The five-game unbeaten run has guided them out of the danger zone as they sit seven points clear of 18th-placed West Ham.

With his frontman making a compelling case for an England recall, Farke's side suddenly look like a side with belief and bite as they look to preserve their Premier League status.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke spoke to BBC Match of the Day after his side's draw to Sunderland: "Wins are always good - not just for the table, but also for the confidence of the dressing room. We are in really good form and we never know when we are beaten. Even when we are in a losing position, we know that we can always come back and we can score.

"It's a good period but we have to keep going. Twenty points is good at the stage of the season - but it's not enough to stay in this league. We will need to win many more games, and for that we will need to keep going."

Leeds goalscorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin also spoke to BBC Match of the Day: "It's about the resilience again that we've shown. Good character. The team spirit at the moment is good, it's high. We recognised in the first half we weren't at it. Second half we knew we had to be better, we responded well.

"I think we've shown we can mix our game up. We can be direct, we can play football. It's good versatility within the team. A good goal scored.

"It's always a good feeling to be scoring regularly. I'm in a good moment at the minute. My timing is good. As a team we're gelling a bit more. Things are going well for us.

"You're in flow. You can make those runs as a centre-forward and sometimes the ball doesn't find you when you're in a dry spell. But you've just got to keep doing it and hope that the tide will turn and that's what has happened for me at the moment. I'm feeling good, feeling strong and I'm enjoying playing with the lads."

Is it your best form since playing under Carlo Ancelotti at Everton? "People love to hang onto that don't they? That was a long time ago. I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going and kept pushing. I've backed myself and here I am now."

You've been linked with a return to the England squad, but is your focus just on Leeds for now? "Of course. Of course."

Did you know?

• Calvert-Lewin became only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League appearances, and the first since Joe Willock netted in seven in a row from April to May 2021. He's also the first Leeds player to achieve this in the top-flight since John McCole in 1959-60.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Sunderland's performance

What did you make of Leeds' display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has made just one change to his starting line-up from the goalless draw at Brighton.

Centre-back Dan Ballard is out with an injury, so Dennis Cirkin make his first league start of the season in his place.

Sunderland XI: Roefs, Cirkin, Geertruida, Brobbey, Rigg, Alderete, Mukiele, Adingra, Le Fee, Hume, Xhaka.

Subs: Patterson, Neil, Mayenda, Mundle, Isidor, Hjelde, Harrison Jones, Jenson Oliver Jones, Tutierov.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke has named the same 11 that posted a superb 4-1 win against Crystal Palace last week.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin leads the line hoping to score for the sixth game running while Lukas Nmecha makes the bench after returning from an injury.

Leeds XI: Perii, Bogle, Gudmundsson, Ampadu, Struijk, Rodon, Calvert-Lewin, Aaronson, Bijol, Stach, Okafor.

Subs: Darlow, Piroe, Nmecha, Harrison, Tanaka, Bornauw, Justin, Gnonto, Gruev.

There are two games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Follow Sunderland v Leeds (14:00) - BBC Radio 5 Live

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Follow all of the action and reaction here

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Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been absolutely unbelievable up front for Leeds.

They are just a much better team with him in it, and their confidence must be sky-high at the moment too, because they have had some excellent results recently.

The worry for Sunderland is how much they will miss their players who are away at Afcon, but I don't think it will affect them.

The Black Cats don't score a lot of goals but they are always so well-organised - I am going for them to win, and keep out Calvert-Lewin to keep a clean sheet too.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Sunday's match (14:00 GMT), which will be the first Premier League game between these sides for 23 years.

Defensive strength key for Sunderland

Sunderland's superb start to the season means they will be sixth on Christmas Day, and while losing six players to the Africa Cup of Nations will test their squad depth, last weekend's 0-0 draw at Brighton offered plenty of encouragement that those absences will not prove too costly.

The Black Cats registered six shots on target against the Seagulls, their highest total in a Premier League match without scoring since April 2016.

Even more reassuring was another display of defensive resilience. Regis le Bris's side recorded their sixth clean sheet of the campaign, already matching their final figure from their most recent top-flight season in 2016–17.

The Wearsiders have also conceded just 17 Premier League goals so far, a record bettered by only Arsenal and Manchester City.

That is more than five fewer than would normally be the case based on their expected goals against figure of 22.45. It remains to be seen whether that level of over-performance is sustainable, but it may not matter.

Sunderland's haul of 27 points would have been enough to guarantee survival last season and, while the threshold could be slightly higher this term, just four more wins should secure safety.

Calvert-Lewin key for improving Leeds

The last time Leeds faced Sunderland in the top flight was in a 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light on Boxing Day 2002, when James Milner scored his first senior goal for the visitors, aged just 16 years and 356 days.

Although eclipsed by James Vaughan's strike for Everton in 2005, Milner remains the second-youngest goalscorer in Premier League history.

The Whites finished 24 points ahead of play-off winners Sunderland in last season's Championship, but have found the step up more challenging than the Wearsiders.

However, Daniel Farke's side are moving in the right direction, collecting eight points from a possible 12 since the start of December to move six clear of the relegation zone. That is thanks in no small part to the form of summer signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Calvert-Lewin managed just one goal in his first 10 Premier League appearances for the club, but has scored six times in his subsequent five games. The 28-year-old will be in contention for an England recall if he maintains that consistency, according to Farke.

Should the striker extend his scoring streak this weekend, he would become the first Leeds player to net in six consecutive top-flight matches since John McCole in the 1959–60 season.

Cologne are interested in bringing Leeds' 26-year-old Belgium defender Sebastiaan Bornauw back to the Bundesliga, having previously played for the club from 2019-2021. (Bild - in German), external

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We asked for your views on Daniel Farke changing his formation and incorporating a back three after the defeat to Manchester City.

Here are some of your comments:

Thomas: I think the system Farke stumbled upon has not only helped Leeds immensely, but it has kept him in his job. which I personally think is good news for the club, as chopping and changing managers doesn't help any team. Given time, they could mould this team into a decent squad and with a few additions further down the line.

Anthony: Farke was an outstanding manager in the Championship, guiding us through multiple crises and developing players like Summerville and Rutter. Despite not being given the attackers he was promised, he is proving himself to be a top Premier League manager as well, adopting a system the players are best suited to and making excellent tactical tweaks and substitutions. He is a far better manager than he is given credit for, and we are lucky to have him.

John: It's the stability that you notice, not just at the back, but up front, they have the ball longer, and it's not just luck and chance.

Andrew: Of course, the system could be viable long term, particularly for some, if not all, games. Eventually, teams will expect it and try to counter it. What we need is adaptability from the manager and the players, and surely that is not beyond either?

Jon: 3-5-2 has a place for now while we try to simply stay afloat in the Premier League. Use it for now and variations of it, but if we stay up for a couple of seasons, we can explore four at the back, but with higher quality defenders.

Edward: Changing formations after Manchester City deserves a lot of praise. It could have gone horribly wrong, and there would be a different conversation. I don't think it's long-term, as there are too many challenges to maintain the formation. Rather, I think Farke is developing a squad that can be confident when changing formation.

Flora Snelson
BBC Sport Journalist

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Leeds United have announced that a planning office report has recommended for approval the plans to develop Elland Road.

It is hoped that full approval for the proposed regeneration, which will take the capacity over 50,000 in a bid to shorten the season ticket waiting list, will be formally ratified at a plans panel meeting on Thursday, 8 January.

The club also announced that 98% of the fans and local community who responded to a consultation before the plans were finalised supported the overall proposals.

It confirmed that when the proposed work is finished, all of the away supporters will continue to be housed in the West Stand, reserving the South Stand for the home support, who the club say "create an atmosphere which is envied across the whole world".

The club have worked with the Leeds City Council Highways Department to put in place a Section 106 agreement which will improve highways around the stadium and, combined with a club-devised travel plan, will help to address matchday transport and parking issues.

Karan Vinod
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light (kick-off 14:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On team news, Farke says there is no chance for Sean Longstaff and also for Daniel James. There is a small chance for Lukas Nmecha to be involved.

• On Nmecha, Farke said: "There is some progress. I hope I have him available at some point this week, back in team training, and if he comes through the sessions, then he could be a topic for the squad and travel with us. But he is more or less the only one out of the long-term injuries that could perhaps feature in this game."

• Farke reiterated that they will not rest on their laurels after a good recent run, especially taking into consideration that one point per game could guarantee survival moving forward.

• On Christmas and his squad: "We will allow ourselves also Christmas Day to have a day off. I think it's good for the families of the players and also especially for the staff."

• Farke also said that he is more concerned with players being with their families. He said "it's not about drinking and eating" and says he can "trust" his players and that professionals these days "hardly drink a glass of beer".

• On Dominic Calvert-Lewin: "I think he also benefits a lot from that we are capable to prepare so many situations out of open play. Last game, we were pretty effective out of set plays as well. I think he benefits from good performance from the whole team. It's always a team effort, and it's important that we keep going to bring him into good positions to assist further on, and then also up to him to keep going with the hard work. I'm a big believer that in the end, you will always get what you're willing to invest. And he has invested a lot so far, but he has to keep going."

• On Ethan Ampadu: "He is a key player, one of my most important, if not the most important player. So he's playing in the heart of our game and central midfield. And especially in the heart of our game, you have to be strong. I think it's important that you have really there a really, really strong core. And Ethan is a cornerstone and a key figure for us. I think it is very important for the balance to be good against the ball, to win many duels, to be aggressive, to sense the danger, to be aware, to have the back line, but on the other hand also to initiate our attacks and to play the first passes. So he has a pretty much a key role, and he's doing fantastic in this, and I think he has grown a lot also over the last couple of years, also in terms of his personality, and he grows more and more into this leader role and is our leader."

Hear more from Farke on BBC Sounds

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Leeds United's defeat to Manchester City at the end of November was the last time we saw Daniel Farke use his preferred four at the back system before making the switch to a three at the back.

If Leeds' performances in their past four games are anything to go by, the German will be in no rush to revert back to old ways any time soon.

Since the switch, the Whites have improved in lots of areas statistically and have been stronger at both ends of the pitch since the change. This is especially impressive considering the opposition; Premier League giants Liverpool and Chelsea, a Brentford side who are notoriously difficult to play when they are at home and Oliver Glasner's Crystal Palace, who have been excellent for large parts of the season.

While Farke has made some personnel tweaks in midfield and attack, his back three and wing-backs have stayed exactly the same in all four games. This has allowed his side to have a consistent and solid foundation and perhaps gives the attacking players more freedom.

Admittedly, four games is a small sample size and time will tell if this change can work long term - but Farke deserves praise for his willingness to adapt.

The eight points his side have earned in their past four games could very well be the difference between Premier League survival or another long season in the Championship.

With the transfer window looming, perhaps the acquisition of players who are comfortable in playing in this system could make it a viable long-term option.

What do you make of the new system, Leeds fans? What differences have you noticed in your team's performances?

Do you think this system has a place long-term?

Tell us here

Molly Whitmore
Fan writer

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Saturday's game at Elland Road was everything you want as a Leeds fan, intensity, confidence and real belief.

Ethan Ampadu was immense, setting the tempo from the back and leading like a proper captain, calm in possession but aggressive when it mattered. The atmosphere lifted every time he stepped in to break up play.

The free transfer signing of Dominic Calvert-Lewin already looks inspired. His movement, physicality and link-up play gave us a focal point we've missed. Even without a goal, he made defenders panic and brought others into the game. It felt like a statement performance, not just a win.

Looking ahead, Leeds feel close to something really positive, but there are still key decisions to make. Recruitment-wise, I'd like to see another creative forward brought in, someone who can play off Calvert-Lewin and share the scoring load. DCL thrives with runners, and a natural matchmaker behind him could elevate the whole attack. Out wide, we look fairly settled, so loans rather than permanent deals might make sense for squad depth.

In terms of departures, any suggestion of Jayden Bogle being mentioned as a possible move to Everton should be firmly avoided. He's become too important to our balance and energy and selling to a rival would send the wrong message. If we do sell, it should be fringe players - with younger lads going out on loan to get minutes rather than stagnating.

Goalkeeper is the one area worth debating. While there's an argument for upgrading long-term, having both Darlow and Perri gives us solid experience and competition. It's not urgent. Overall, the last month has been hugely encouraging. The spine of the team looks strong, confidence is growing and with smart, measured business rather than big upheaval, Leeds can really kick on from here.

I also read links to Raheem Sterling potentially coming in January. Who would have thought it? On paper, it sounds great. I've always believed having players who truly know this league inside and out is key to building a successful squad, something we're already seeing with Calvert-Lewin. Sterling's experience, movement, and intelligence could lift everyone around him. Is it realistic? Who knows, but it shows the ambition around the club feels different right now.

Molly Whitmore is a regular contributor on BBC Radio Leeds - find all their audio here

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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I was at Leeds United v Brentford last week and mentioned here that they didn't look like relegation fodder to me. A 4-1 hammering of high-flying Crystal Palace this week at an ecstatic Elland Road underlined the new belief from Daniel Farke's side.

Sunderland v Leeds just after Christmas is my next BBC game. If Leeds win that one, they will be on the brink of mid-table safety, probably only needing 12 more points from 20 games to survive.

If, and I accept it is a pretty big if, they can keep Dominic Calvert-Lewin fit, they could be home and dry with a month to spare, especially with that phenomenal home support.

That didn't look likely a month ago.

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The latest episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet had the regulars discussing how Dominic Calvert-Lewin put on an incredible performance in the win over Crystal Palace despite receiving a knock to his head.

Leeds beat the Eagles 4-1 at Elland Road, with Calvert-Lewin continuing his fine form.

However when the score was 0-0, the forward had a clash with Crystal Palace's Marc Guéhi.

"When he crashed into Guéhi, I thought that Leeds' season was in the balance," said BBC Radio Leeds Jonny Buchan. "But he got up and scored two goals."

Manager Daniel Farke was seen to be telling replacements to warm up quickly with there being concerns regarding a concussion for Calvert-Lewin.

Simon Rix - bass player for the Kaiser Chiefs - told the podcast Farke must have "magic hands" given how Calvert-Lewin and other frequently injured players are currently coping.

BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope said: "I don't think are any other forwards in that role that are like him, he is always in between the penalty spot and goal line but still on side. He is a goalhanger."

Listen to the full episode here

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