The resurgence of Calvert-Lewinpublished at 09:30 GMT 16 December 2025
09:30 GMT 16 December 2025
Joe Rindl BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
"When you get a certain narrative around you and are tarred with a certain brush, it's quite hard to shake it."
Dominic Calvert-Lewin delivered those words after Leeds came from behind to take a point off Brentford on Sunday. Having been the player to score the equaliser he was able to reflect on how he has managed to change opinions.
Before the last international break, he had only scored one goal for his new club Leeds United.
The knives were out and plenty of Leeds supporters may have been fearing a repeat of the 28-year-old's final season for Everton, in which he scored just three goals in an injury-hit campaign.
But since the Premier League returned in mid-November the Englishman has been on a mission, netting four goals in five games, including strikes in each of his past four matches.
His latest goal was a perfectly timed header into the far corner to rescue a draw for Leeds at Brentford and take his side three points clear of the relegation zone.
Should Brentford's penalty have stood against Leeds?published at 18:51 GMT 15 December 2025
18:51 GMT 15 December 2025
Dale Johnson Football issues correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
In Sunday's 1-1 draw at Brentford, the VAR review took three minutes and resulted in Brentford's penalty against Leeds being overturned.
Referee John Brooks pointed to the spot, ruling that Dango Ouattara was pulled back by Gabriel Gudmundsson. Eventually the penalty was cancelled as Ouattara was offside.
But did the foul come before the offside?
The Ifab law states: a player in an offside position is moving towards the ball with the intention of playing the ball and is fouled before playing or attempting to play the ball, or challenging an opponent for the ball, the foul is penalised as it has occurred before the offside offence.
We have seen this a few times in recent seasons.
Most notably in March 2019, just before VAR came into the Premier League, an offside Harry Kane was pushed over by Arsenal's Shkodran Mustafi as a ball was delivered into the area. A penalty was awarded.
In February 2024, Newcastle were given a penalty on VAR review against Bournemouth. Fabian Schar was ahead of the last defender but had not committed an offside offence before he was pulled back by Adam Smith.
On Sunday, Ouattara was running towards the flight of the ball. Like Kane, you can make a case that he did not do anything to make him actively offside prior to the foul.
However, fans struggle to get on board with these situations where an offside player effectively benefits from being in that position.
It is why there was controversy over Arsenal's first goal against Wolves. That came from a corner which was awarded despite Bukayo Saka being offside.
When Toti Gomes headed the ball behind, Saka had not committed any kind of offside offence. The Arsenal player was running forwards but did not challenge Gomes or try to play the ball.
Yet Wolves would argue that Toti only attempted the header because Saka was behind him.
Gudmundsson's challenge was incredibly soft, however, and it should have led to a VAR review to be overturned if Ouattara was onside. But the evidence suggests this would not have happened.
Usually, the VAR will check the subjective element, in this case the foul. If there is to be a review the referee would be sent to the screen. While he is running over the VAR checks for any offside.
As the referee was not told to go to the monitor it indicates the foul had been cleared by the VAR, Michael Salisbury.
Leeds were denied their own penalty claim at the start of the second half when Nathan Collins tugged back Dominic Calvert-Lewin. It was a much clearer claim than the foul given against Gudmundsson.
There was probably not quite enough in it for a VAR penalty, but it certainly would not have been overturned had it been given.
Brentford 1-1 Leeds - the fans' verdict published at 09:10 GMT 15 December 2025
09:10 GMT 15 December 2025
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We asked for your views on Sunday's Premier League game between Brentford and Leeds.
Here are some of your comments:
Brentford fans
Graham: Very poor performance - lots of players look out of their depth and lots of finger pointing and blame. Not a team playing for each other, and the substitutions were negative. I think our manager has peaked and I'm worried for the rest of the season.
Mark: What a disjointed performance. Probably the worst game so far this season, despite getting a draw. Too many mistakes, gifting the ball to the opposition. Why Damsgaard didn't start is a mystery. He made the difference which resulted in the goal. We need to up our game if we want to avoid a scrappy, relegation-avoiding second half of the season.
Jen: Oh, Brentford. Need to have some good transfer business in January. Keith needs to make some positive substitutions. Keep going forward, not sideways and then backwards - and players need confidence. Take some chances, Bees! You can score!
Nicholas: Disappointing result after taking the lead. I don't understand why Andrews shut up shop by going with five at the back. Important not to lose but his ability to change things positively is a big concern. Huge game coming up at Wolves.
Leeds fans
Dan: I really thought this would be the proper test to see if we really have turned a corner after the previous three results. We have a miserable away record against London teams so to go toe to toe with an established team like Brentford and earn a decent draw was evidence enough that we really have turned that corner.
Omar: A point at Brentford is a great result and a fair reflection of the game. Tough team and tough venue. Delighted to see Calvert-Lewin continuing to prove doubters wrong. It was a beautifully taken header - he hung in the air like Michael Jordan! Hopefully this combination of grit and intensity will see us finish in the 'top 17'.
Thomas: I genuinely think Brentford had their mind on the cup match against Manchester City in the week. Leeds really should havetaken advantage as they are very strong at home. Several players - Tanaka, Okafor and Calvert-Lewin - weren't at their best. Gnonto did well again as a substitute, so hopefully he can get a few games under his belt over the hectic Christmas period and show what he can do.
Robert: Leeds were the better side in the second half - good spirit and belief. Farke made good subs again. DCL worked very hard again and deserved his goal. Stach, Ampadu and Gudmundsson were great. Pleased with a point but felt three were there for the taking.
Leeds analysis: Calvert-Lewin continues fine formpublished at 20:09 GMT 14 December 2025
20:09 GMT 14 December 2025
Bobbie Jackson BBC Sport Journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Daniel Farke's future as Leeds manager has looked much more secure since he switched things up to play with a 3-5-2 formation earlier this month.
An agonising injury-time loss at Manchester City, victory over Chelsea and comeback draw against Liverpool helped to silence his critics and the German set his side out in that same structure once again at Brentford.
Those results are likely to have earned Farke enough credit to keep his job if they lost at Brentford, but his players showed similar spirit to ensure that wasn't the case.
Leeds undoubtedly look more organised at the back in this new system and nullified the hosts for most of the game.
Heads could have dropped when they conceded the opener but Henderson's goal only served to galvanise the visitors.
Calvert-Lewin had a largely quiet game, but there was little doubt he would convert when he leaped high in the air to meet Gnonto's cross.
Farke said he was "desperate" to sign the 28-year-old on a free transfer following his release by Everton and, after a slow start, Leeds are now reaping the rewards as he stays fit and shows the form that earned him England honours.
Calls for a return to the Three Lions fold may feel premature, but if he maintains this scoring streak, he might help save Leeds from relegation and force his way into the reckoning for a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Brentford 1-1 Leeds: What Farke saidpublished at 19:07 GMT 14 December 2025
19:07 GMT 14 December 2025
Media caption,
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke, speaking to BBC MOTD: "If I'm honest we have dominated shots for the expected goals, most shots on target, more big chances missed. It is a good point on the road as Brentford has an amazing home record. We came back out of a losing position - point on the road at Brentford is good.
"A few decision from the referee I struggled to understand. The feeling was we could have taken even more out of this game.
"For me, the consistency for the calls has to be right. We need more or less VAR to overrule it [awarded penalty] with the offside.
"Today, I don't think it was fair in our direction and made our game a bit more complicated.
"The outcome with the second half and the outcome of the first half was good. A clean sheet at half time, but I didn't like our game that much. Second half was much better.
"Very unlucky, although I think we were the better team in the second half to come back again is great."
On Dominic Calvert-Lewin: "Yes, he is a fantastic striker - it was never in doubt. His CV speaks for itself. Unbelievable human being, unbelievable hard worker. One of the best English strikers that we have in the Premier League. We are blessed to have him."
Did you know?
Leeds (W1 D2) have gone three consecutive Premier League games without defeat in a single season for the first time since doing so in their first three games of the 2022-23 campaign (W2 D1).
Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored in four consecutive Premier League appearances for just a second time, previously doing so in October 2020 for Everton (run of 5).
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Crystal Palace v Man City" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Sunderland v Newcastle", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Brentford v Leedspublished at 10:13 GMT 14 December 2025
10:13 GMT 14 December 2025
This is another big game at the bottom of the table.
I am so pleased for Leeds boss Daniel Farke because I was fed up with the rubbish being talked about how he cannot manage in the Premier League.
Leeds have had a tough run of games against Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool and it felt like there were people out there who were waiting and even wishing for Farke to fail, so he would be sacked.
I am delighted that it has turned out very differently. The performances, the guts, and the quality that Leeds have shown has been brilliant, even in defeat at City, and against Chelsea and Liverpool they have picked up points too.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin's goals have made the difference, and they will go into this game full of belief, and thinking they have got a real chance.
Brentford are still favourites, though, because their home form is so good - with five wins, a draw and just one defeat under Keith Andrews so far.
The Bees were pretty limp when they went to Spurs last week but on their own patch it is a different story. They have won their past three games there, against Liverpool, Newcastle and Burnley so, like Leeds, they will be full of confidence.
I remember Farke's last game as Norwich manager in November 2021, when his team beat Brentford but he was sacked a few hours later. This time, I am backing Brentford to win, but Farke's future should not be in doubt.
Brentford v Leeds: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 13:02 GMT 13 December 2025
13:02 GMT 13 December 2025
Henry Cowling BBC Sport journalist
Mid-table Brentford face a resurgent Leeds side, who have won four points in their past two matches against Chelsea and Liverpool. BBC Sport looks at some of the key themes ahead of Sunday's match.
Brentford have won just one of their four Premier League games against Leeds and will be looking to avoid three straight defeats in the Premier League for the first time since February 2024, after losses to Arsenal and Tottenham.
Bees lack varied goal source
It was more away day pain for Keith Andrews' side last week in north London as they gave a toothless display at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Bees had just four shots in the match, with one on target and a measly xG of 0.29.
While their mid-table figure of 21 Premier League goals for the season doesn't ring immediate alarm bells, the spread of those goals may be a cause of concern. Striker Igor Thiago has scored over half - and five of his 11 have been from the penalty spot.
Record signing Dango Ouattara has won four of those penalties, more than any other player in Europe's top five leagues. This game will be Ouattara's last appearance before leaving to represent Burkina Faso at the Africa Cup of Nations. Brentford will need the likes of Mikel Damsgaard and Kevin Schade to fill this creative void. As it stands, veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson leads the way at the club for Premier League assists, with three.
Farke finds joy in new system
Leeds had lost four straight Premier League games going into their midweek fixture against Chelsea last week, using a 4-3-3 formation. But for the second half against Manchester City in the final fixture of those four defeats, Farke deviated from his usual four at the back to try a 3-5-2.
Despite being pipped 3-2 by Pep Guardiola's side, the performance was encouraging and Farke has since started his side in a 3-5-2 in subsequent fixtures against Chelsea and Liverpool.
The results have been stark, with four points from two matches against established heavyweight sides and three goals scored in each. It is as many times as Leeds had scored three in the Premier League across their previous 37 games.
Brentford have had mixed fortunes facing the formation. They have won just twice in the seven games they have played in the Premier League against sides using a 3-5-2.
Farke on Calvert-Lewin, Nmecha's fitness & Brentfordpublished at 14:25 GMT 12 December 2025
14:25 GMT 12 December 2025
Sarah Rendell BBC Sport journalist
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium (kick-off 16:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Farke said Daniel James and Sean Longstaff are not available this weekend. He also gave an update on Lukas Nmecha's recovery from a thigh injury: "Not confident at all - he will miss this game. He is still a bit symptomatic and it is still not completely healed. He is definitely out for this game."
On if recent positive results has given him and the team belief they can stay in the top flight: "We were convinced in the week, during the week and right now after the week. Of course, there is no replacement for wins so it is always good for the mood, the confidence and for the table so for that yes we had a good week. I am happy with this but we are already in the mode to prepare for the next important game on Sunday."
On Dominic Calvert-Lewin's form: "I have followed his career for years and this is what he has done throughout. He has delivered really good performances and scored many goals. This is why we were so desperate to sign him because we know what he is capable of if he is fit and in a good rhythm."
On if the 28-year-old can break back into the England squad: "Not a topic for me - that is a question for Thomas [Tuchel, England manager]. If he wants to ask me, I will give him my honest opinion and what I think about Dominic. You all know how I much I trust him and how much I value him. He has done it before, 11 caps for England, and his goal record is good. It is just important he stays fit, confident and in a good rhythm and it will take care of itself.
He says there were no conversations with club owners over his position when Leeds were on a poor run.
On Brentford: "They have a fantastic home record. They have beaten more or less all of the top sides, especially at home. So we don't expect an easy game at all."
'We believe we can win' - Gruevpublished at 13:40 GMT 11 December 2025
13:40 GMT 11 December 2025
Leeds United midfielder Ilia Gruev attributes the Whites' run of strong performances against top teams to the squad's resilience and self-belief.
A unfortunate defeat at Manchester City helped inspire a marauding return to Elland Road, where the Whites beat Chelsea and then then held Premier League champions Liverpool.
Gruev insists that the results - which pulled Leeds out of the relegation zone and renewed fans' hopes of survival - came as no surprise.
"I think it's one of the most important things in football - to have self-confidence, to believe in what you are doing," Gruev told BBC Radio Leeds' the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast.
"I had a feeling in the changing room before the game against City, and also against Chelsea and Liverpool - that we believe we can win this game.
"It's not like you play these teams and think 'hopefully we can do something'. No, it's that we believe in what we can do, in our quality.
"I really like this positivity in our group."
A tactical shift by boss Daniel Farke - arranging his team in a 5-3-2 formation - has been key to Leeds' improvement.
Gruev says that the team's spirit of collaboration - as well as their individual instincts - allow them to adapt quickly to Farke's changes.
"We have very intelligent players who have tactical variety," he explained. "We also have a good spirit on the pitch, we are watching each other and helping each other.
"I look to Ethan [Ampadu], for example, I see where [team-mates] are, then I know where I have to go. Some things are a feeling - it's quite natural.
"The coach is giving us a system - but in the system we have freedom and this is quite important, for me, and I think we do it really well."
Gossip: Leeds consider Mulligan movepublished at 10:35 GMT 10 December 2025
10:35 GMT 10 December 2025
Leeds United along with Nottingham Forest have made initial enquiries for Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan as they consider a January move for the 23-year-old.
'Have to give most of the credit to Farke'published at 07:59 GMT 10 December 2025
07:59 GMT 10 December 2025
Image source, Getty Images
Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix believes Leeds boss Daniel Farke was instrumental in the matches against Chelsea and Liverpool in the past week but stresses these next couple of months will not be easy.
"You have to give a lot of credit to Daniel Farke," Rix told BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast. "It's one of those situations where this has been a great week and now we have to keep it going which is the problem.
"Going to Brentford away where they win a lot and coming back to Elland Road to play Crystal Palace - then we've got Liverpool again and Sunderland. They're all difficult games.
"We pinpointed this week as being difficult but actually every game in this run is a really, really tricky spot and we need everybody together. I think that's why I thought they would never have changed the manager because the change would be even more disruptive.
"I feel like Farke this week has done what everyone wanted in terms of showing that he can change it up. Maybe that was pressure or maybe he's learned something about himself.
"You can give a lot of credit to the players for not giving up but I think you have to give most of the credit to him."
'From gloom to glory in the space of a week'published at 14:18 GMT 9 December 2025
14:18 GMT 9 December 2025
Molly Whitmore Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Wow. This is awkward to admit after the doom-laden report I wrote just two weeks ago - but what a time to be a Leeds fan. You go from staring into the relegation abyss to taking four points in three days against two of the so called 'big six'. I still cannot quite believe it. Football is a funny old game but Leeds United take it to extremes.
Two weeks ago, I was struggling to name a single player who looked Premier League-ready. Now? I'm struggling to find anyone who put a foot wrong. A complete shift in attitude, belief and performance - and it has injected fresh life into the fanbase too.
Let's start with Gabriel Gudmundsson and what a signing he has turned out to be. Calm, composed and unbelievably consistent. He has added the balance we needed.
Then there is Ao Tanaka - what a game-changer. A stunning goal, relentless energy and that knack of arriving exactly where defenders least want him. My only complaint? Start him! He's earned it.
Nothing captures the spirit of this team more than that wild and breathless classic against Liverpool. Conceding early, battling back, conceding again before refusing to lie down. That's Leeds.
When Tanaka, deep into stoppage time, smashed home from a corner, Elland Road erupted. It felt like the roof would come off.
That is why we love football and why following Leeds is both a blessing and a curse. Never predictable, but when it is good, it is absolutely electric.
The home atmosphere has been tough lately. You could feel nervousness creeping in but not in the past two matches. The old Elland Road roar is back, and you can tell the players feel it. Best stand in the country - not that I'm biased.
On a personal note, I run a dog-walking business, and one of my lovely clients, Lucy, is a massive Leeds fan. Her other half Neil supports 'the better red' if there is one. I'm looking forward to seeing them this week, especially since I've got a Tanaka shirt on order for you, Neil. Some gifts just cannot wait.
However, as much as this week has lifted us, part of me still is not fully convinced about Farke. It is harsh, especially after the performances we've just seen, but the games come quickly during this period and we all know there are twists ahead. This run takes pressure off, but the jury is not settled yet.
Still, what a difference confidence makes. I was genuinely dreading the trip to Brentford but now I am excited.
Gossip: Leeds target Baturinapublished at 07:35 GMT 9 December 2025
07:35 GMT 9 December 2025
Leeds have made contact with Como over a potential move for 23-year-old Czech Republic attacking midfielder Martin Baturina, though the Italians appear to be holding firm. (Fabrizio Romano via Yorkshire Post), external
FA Cup third round draw detailspublished at 13:45 GMT 8 December 2025
13:45 GMT 8 December 2025
Image source, Getty Images
The draw for the third round of the FA Cup will take place on Monday, 8 December at around 18:40 GMT, before the broadcast of Brackley Town v Burton Albion - the final game of the Second Round.
Former England internationals Joe Cole and Peter Crouch will conduct the draw that will consist of 64 teams on TNT Sports.
The 20 winners of the second-round ties will be joined by all 20 Premier League clubs and 24 Championship teams in the third round.
All matches will be played around the weekend commencing Saturday, 10 January 2026.
Unlike in previous years, there are no replays if matches end as a draw. All ties will go to extra-time and if necessary, a penalty shootout.
Jules: Leeds scratched out a gutsy and hard-fought draw with the champions - and they did it despite a huge squad-value gap of over £700m. It shows what heart and teamwork can do when the odds are stacked against you.
Roy: A superb recovery from Leeds. The players deserved the draw. Pascal Struijk was immense, a great penalty by Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and well done Willy Gnonto. A superb Anton Stach strike and an incredible goal by Ao Tanaka to level things. Great football, exciting to watch.
Gary: We've had the same mentality for such a long time, and that is: don't give up. We were unlucky against Manchester City and Aston Villa, but what a difference the formation has made. Well done to Farke for seeing the bigger picture.
Neale: We've proven in the last three games that we can compete in this league and that the players are playing for Farke. Now let's crack on, stop all this stupid sacking talk, and get behind them to secure our spot in the Premier League. Then next season, without the Financial Fair Play restrictions and ground developments, we can move on!
Liverpool fans
Indar: We looked fairly solid for about an hour and then the same suspect Ibrahima Konate put the whole team under pressure once again. He was at fault for the second goal partly as well because he was backing away into such an awkward position. However, there were positives attacking wise. Hugo Ekitike showed he is too good not to start and Dominik Szoboszlai was man of the match, as always. We conceded three goals once again and nothing is changing - it's time for Arne Slot to go.
Callum: Do we not know how to see out games? One moment we look like we're cruising, 2-0 up and comfortable, then we squander it in the 96th minute. Things need to change and unfortunately that needs to be tactically, Slot has to go now. We just don't look like winning games anymore.
Dave: That was dire. There's no excuse for capitulating like that. He stacked the team with defenders at the end, but we still conceded from a set-piece.
Adam: We looked fairly decent and then we decided to sit back and offer the usual oceans of space. It's the same every game, no lessons learned and just some odd decision-making in terms of substitutions. Slot is clearly losing the players and soon, I expect, the board.
Image source, Getty Images
