'Belief' - Dominic Calvert-Lewin's instant reaction to Leeds United win vs Crystal Palace & Elland road brace
The striker netted two of Leeds United's four goals in brilliant Premier League win,
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was happy with the way his Leeds United side mixed things up in attack after benefitting from long throw-ins to score twice against Crystal Palace.
Calvert-Lewin became just the fourth Leeds player to score in four consecutive Premier League games on Saturday night, putting his side 1-0 up on 38 minutes after latching into a long Ethan Ampadu throw at the back post. A two-goal lead arrived in similar fashion just before half-time, with Jaka Bijol flicking another throw onto the Whites striker’s head.
Ampadu himself made it 3-0 on the hour mark before Anton Stach responded to Justin Devenny’s penalty with a brilliant free-kick to end the contest at 4-1. Leeds got their goals from direct play but enjoyed plenty of slick attacking football too, with Calvert-Lewin leading a three-man attack between the brilliant Brenden Aaronson and dangerous Noah Okafor.
"It was a solid home performance,” Calvert-Lewin told Sky Sports after full-time. “We were direct with the way that we played and kept the ball in good moments. In the six yard box is where I need to be. When you're in a good moment the ball starts dropping for you and that's where I'm at.
"The belief stays the same. The belief I have in myself hasn't changed. I want to give my best for the team and continue playing well. I enjoy having bodies around me. It can be a lonely role up there on your own. With bodies around you, you can link play and I think that's why I've had success recently."
Two goals and the performance that came with it will only intensify calls for Calvert-Lewin to be involved with England at the World Cup next summer. Daniel Farke has already been quizzed on the topic multiple times this month and the debate shows no sign of slowing down, given the form Leeds’ leading man is enjoying.
"I don't get carried away,” the Leeds striker said on the topic of an England return. “My job remains the same whether I'm scoring or not scoring. I work hard, lead the line for my team and the rest takes care of itself.
"It's a big result for us. We didn't want to undo our good work over recent weeks. We're taking it game by game and focusing on what we control."
Victory leaves Leeds six points clear of the relegation zone going into Christmas, with West Ham and Wolves both losing while Burnley took a point from Bournemouth. The Whites will also get to enjoy a week off knowing they are unbeaten in four Premier League games, by far their best run of form all season.