Dominic Calvert-Lewin opens up on 'unbelievable' Leeds United feeling in instant Burnley reaction
The striker scored Leeds United's third goal on a big night at Elland Road.
Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin admits it’s an ‘unbelievable feeling’ to hit 43 points following Friday’s 3-1 win at home to Burnley.
Calvert-Lewin scored Leeds’ third and final goal at Elland Road, anticipating a saved Ao Tanaka shot to net his 12th goal of the season. That came just a few minutes after Noah Okafor’s volleyed finish with Anton Stach opening the scoring with a rifled long-range effort early in the first half.
A third win in four league games has Leeds nine points clear of Tottenham Hotspur in 18th, with another season in the Premier League all but secure. Calvert-Lewin reflected on the feeling of being in such a position and praised the intensity of his side’s start.
"It's an unbelievable feeling,” the Leeds frontman told Sky Sports after full-time. “Coming into the game we wanted to start with a lot of intensity which I think we did, particularly leading from the front high up the pitch.
“We executed the game plan really well. They are coming here with nothing to lose really, that can be dangerous sometimes, but I'm pleased and proud of how we performed.”
Prior to Friday’s win, Calvert-Lewin hadn’t scored from open play since victory over Nottingham Forest by the same 3-1 scoreline and his form was a topic of Farke’s pre-game press conference. The 29-year-old showed great desire to beat Burnley defenders and teammate Jaka Bijol to poke home the loose ball.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin on his Leeds United goal vs Burnley
"It's just anticipation,” he said. “There have been a few of these occasions in the box recently where it drops for you and sometimes it doesn't.
“As a number nine that is where you've got to come alive. You have to work on the 'what ifs' and I was there off the back of the defender, first to react to the ball and you get your reward."
Farke has retained trust in Calvert-Lewin even during this relative dry spell and another through the autumn, with rewards coming in the form of a dozen Premier League goals. The Whites striker was appreciative of that player-manager relationship.
"For me he has been massively important,” he added. “Coming into this club I spoke to him and he made me feel really at home early. The way he manages and handles players is perfect for someone like myself and the stage I am at in my career.
“He has certainly helped get the best out of me this season and filled me with confidence. When I have been scoring, when I've not been scoring he's kept playing me and we have a really good relationship.”