Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s red-hot form is propelling Leeds United up the table, but can they sustain this momentum? The 28-year-old striker continued his sensational scoring streak, bagging a brace as Leeds comfortably dispatched Crystal Palace at Elland Road. This victory, coupled with recent triumphs over Chelsea and draws against Liverpool and Brentford, has injected a renewed sense of optimism into the club, pushing them six points clear of the relegation zone. But here's where it gets controversial: can Calvert-Lewin maintain this level of performance throughout the entire season, solidifying his place as one of the Premier League's elite strikers? And this is the part most people miss: Leeds' tactical shift to a counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation under Daniel Farke seems to be the catalyst for this resurgence, particularly benefiting Calvert-Lewin's predatory instincts.
Calvert-Lewin's double, both goals showcasing his poacher's instinct, arrived late in the first half. The first, a rebound after Dean Henderson's initial save, was followed by a powerful header from a Jaka Bijol assist, both originating from Ethan Ampadu's pinpoint long throws. Ampadu himself got on the scoresheet after the break, capitalizing on a corner to make it 3-0. Palace, despite Justin Devenny's late penalty and a stoppage-time free-kick from Anton Stach, couldn't mount a serious comeback.
Is Palace's European adventure becoming a burden? The Eagles' struggles in the Premier League following Conference League fixtures are becoming a worrying trend. Oliver Glasner's heavy rotation policy, while understandable given their congested schedule, seems to be disrupting their domestic rhythm. With eight games in 23 days, their squad depth will be severely tested.
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence is undeniable. His seven Premier League goals place him alongside Phil Foden and Danny Welbeck as the top-scoring English players. His performance against Palace, reminiscent of his Everton heyday, earned him high praise from Farke, who cautiously reminded everyone that consistency over the entire season is key. Calvert-Lewin himself remains grounded, focusing on his role as a team player.
While Leeds celebrate a crucial win, questions linger about Palace's ability to juggle European ambitions with domestic stability. Can Glasner find a formula to balance his squad and avoid a post-European hangover? And for Leeds, can Calvert-Lewin's heroics continue to propel them towards a comfortable mid-table finish? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this season promises to be a rollercoaster ride for both clubs. What do you think? Can Calvert-Lewin sustain his form? Is Palace's European campaign hindering their Premier League performance? Let us know in the comments below!
