Dominic Calvert-Lewin extended his scoring streak to five Premier League games with a superb double as Leeds United secured a comfortable win over Crystal Palace at Elland Road.
The 28-year-old struck twice late in the first half to give the hosts a comfortable lead at the break, before captain Ethan Ampadu pounced to further increase their advantage at the hour mark with his first goal in the top flight.
Justin Devenny pulled one back for Palace with a stoppage-time penalty, but Anton Stach’s free-kick in the 11th minute of injury time wrapped up a memorable victory for the home side.
Leeds, who also defeated Chelsea and took points off Liverpool and Brentford this month, asked questions of Palace from the start and had shouts for a penalty turned down when Brenden Aaronson went down in the box from a sliding challenge from Tyrick Mitchell.
But they had to wait until the 38th minute to be rewarded for their persistence.
Ampadu’s long throw-in was inadvertently flicked on by Chris Richards towards the far post and although England striker Calvert-Lewin’s first shot was denied by Dean Henderson he was able to open the scoring from the rebound.
The striker then gave the Elland Road faithful more reason to celebrate as he headed home a second in first-half injury time.
Amapadu’s long throw was again instrumental, this time from the right wing, with his delivery headed on by Jaka Bijol for Calvert-Lewin to finish.
Ampadu added his name to the scoresheet after the restart as the unmarked Leeds skipper chased Aaronson’s header back into the box following a corner and slotted past Henderson to make it 3-0.
Lucas Perri’s foul on Christantus Uche allowed Devenny to reduce the deficit from the penalty spot and the Northern Ireland midfielder also struck the woodwork moments later when he could have pulled Palace within a goal.
But deep into injury time, Stach scored from a free-kick awarded after Borna Sosa’s foul on James Justin at the edge of the box to put the gloss on a crucial win for Daniel Farke’s side.
Leeds, now unbeaten in four matches, move six points clear of the relegation zone on 19 points while Palace drop to eighth with 26 points after 17 games.
Leeds analysis: Calvert-Lewin heroics instil further belief
Leeds supporters would have arrived on Saturday hoping to see Calvert-Lewin continue his resurgence in front of goal. They did not go home disappointed.
The former Everton forward’s two-goal display led to Farke calling him “one of the best English strikers in this league” – but adding he still has plenty to improve.
“He is in great form,” the Leeds boss told BBC Match of the Day. “I spoke highly about him and we are blessed and fortunate that we have him.
“He has shown this during his career when he is fit, but to label him a top-class player for Leeds, he doesn’t have to just show this for a couple of weeks or months, he has to show it over the course of the whole season.”
Calvert-Lewin had four goals in as many matches heading into this game – a run that saw him find the back of the net in a stunning 3-1 win against Chelsea and commendable draws against Liverpool and Brentford.
Those results have provided a renewed sense of optimism for the Leeds faithful and relieved some pressure off Farke, whose change from a possession-based 4-3-3 to a counter-attacking 3-5-2 three weeks ago seems to have inspired his team and especially his in-form striker, who proved to be the difference yet again.
“In the six-yard box is where I need to be,” Calvert-Lewin told Media Sports. “When you’re in a good moment the ball starts dropping for you and that’s where I’m at.”
Replicating instincts that made him a classic target man at Everton during his nine-year stay on Merseyside, Calvert-Lewin became only the fourth Leeds player to score in five consecutive Premier League games joining Mark Viduka (twice), Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Rod Wallace.
He then struck his first first league double since November 2020 against Fulham to take the contest away from Palace.
“The belief I have in myself hasn’t changed,” Calvert-Lewin added. “I want to give my best for the team and continue playing well.”
With seven goals, he is now the highest-scoring English player in the Premier League alongside Phil Foden and Danny Welbeck.
