The goals just keep on coming. The calls for a surprise England return in a World Cup year get louder by the week. And the argument is beginning to look compelling.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s predatory first-half brace continued his scoring streak and remarkable renaissance which simply must be grabbing Thomas Tuchel’s attention right now.
It is now six goals in his last five Premier League games for a player who won the last of his 11 Three Lions caps in July 2021.
‘England’s, number nine, England, England’s number nine!’ belted out the Elland Road faithful, who also reworked the lyrics to Wham’s Last Christmas with Calvert-Lewin’s name.
The striker’s summer arrival at Elland Road did not increase the heartbeat of too many Leeds fans
That was understandable. He had spent the previous three seasons struggling for fitness and form at Everton, who allowed him to leave on a free transfer.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin inspired Leeds United to a 4-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday
The ex-Everton star scored his first brace in five years and is looking back to his best at Leeds
It was a disappointing day for Crystal Palace, who struggled with a huge number of changes
Calvert-Lewin had offers from Europe, but the lure of playing for Yorkshire’s biggest club tugged at every one of his heartstrings.
When Leeds boss Daniel Farke dangled a three-year deal in front of Calvert-Lewin, he took it.
After a slow start, the former Sheffield United frontman and boyhood Blade has more than found his feet in a Leeds jersey.
He spilt blood for the cause last night, suffering a nasty bruise to his forehead after clashing heads with Palace captain Marc Guehi early on.
Still, it was all in a good cause. Calvert-Lewin was soon on his feet and in the thick of things, firing Leeds ahead from close range in the 38th minute before grabbing his second on the stroke of half-time.
Calvert-Lewin had not scored a Premier League brace since bagging a double against Fulham for Everton in November 2020. He might have finished with the matchball here, such was his threat to the visitors’ goal.
The 28-year-old is arguably enjoying the best form of his career and, while captain Harry Kane will clearly remain England’s first-choice, Calvert-Lewin is perhaps emerging as the best back-up option.
If Leeds are to stay up this season then much will depend on their home form.
Daniel Farke’s side climbed to 16th in the Premier League table after the statement victory
Anton Stach’s goal deep into stoppage time capped off a superb night for the Elland Road fans
Elland Road remains one of the most intimidating ampitheatres in English football, especially under the lights. Chelsea were sent packing from here on December 3 before Liverpool were held to a 3-3 draw three days later.
Palace boss Oliver Glasner made 11 changes from the side who drew 2-2 at home to Finnish side KuPS in the Europa Conference League 48 hours earlier.
Despite bringing back his big guns amid a heavy schedule which sees the Eagles take on Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, it was Leeds who dominated.
Calvert-Lewin looked set to be forced off after his collision with Guehi but he soldered on and was rewarded in spades.
His opener came when captain Ethan Ampadu’s long throw flicked off Chris Richards’ head and into the path of Calvert-Lewin.
His first-time effort was saved by Dean Henderson from close range, but Calvert-Lewin easily tucked away the rebound.
In first-half added time, he was on hand to head home from close range after a flick-on by team-mate Jaka Bijol.
That sparked delirium in the home stands and Calvert-Lewin was lauded as a hero as he headed down the tunnel for a well-earned half-time break.
Calvert-Lewin became the first Leeds player to score in five successive Premier League games since Mark Viduka in 2003.
With a dearth of striker options behind Harry Kane, Calvert-Lewin will still believe he can make a surprise late push for Thomas Tuchel’s England squad in time for the World Cup next year
The one-way traffic continued after the break as chances came and went for Leeds and Calvert-Lewin. They finally scored their third on the hour when a loose ball fell kindly for Ampadu, who beat the offside trap and blasted a shot past Henderson.
More delirium. It is now four games unbeaten for Leeds, who saw Palace score a late penalty through Justin Devenny. But Leeds applied the gloss when Stach curled in a superb free-kick from 20 yards.
