Qudus SalihuIn a thrilling encounter at the Stadium of Light on December 28, 2025, Leeds United battled back to secure a vital 1-1 draw against Sunderland, and the post-match talk has centered on one man: Dominic Calvert-Lewin. While the first half saw Leeds struggle under a relentless Sunderland press, the second half belonged to their talismanic striker, who continues to prove he is “very special” for Daniel Farke’s side.
Trailing 1-0 after a clinical opener from Sunderland’s Simon Adingra, Leeds looked to be heading for a frustrating defeat. However, Calvert-Lewin reignited the contest just two minutes after the restart. In a move that involved all eleven Leeds players, the striker prodded home a composed finish to level the scores. The goal wasn’t just a moment of individual brilliance; it was a historic milestone. Calvert-Lewin became the first Leeds player since 1960 to score in six consecutive top-flight matches, a feat that has catapulted him back into the England conversation.
Daniel Farke was full of praise for his striker’s unmatched display in the second period. “Dominic is in a moment where he feels unstoppable,” Farke noted after the game. “His work rate in the second half, the way he occupied their center-backs and gave us a focal point—it was very special. He doesn’t just score goals; he changes the way we are able to play.”
The statistics from the second half mirrored Farke’s sentiment. Calvert-Lewin won almost every aerial duel and led the high press that forced Sunderland into uncharacteristic errors. His presence allowed the likes of Brenden Aaronson and Noah Okafor to find pockets of space that simply weren’t there in the first 45 minutes.
With seven goals in his last six appearances, Calvert-Lewin is the driving force behind Leeds’ five-match unbeaten run. As they move seven points clear of the relegation zone, it is clear that their “special” number nine is the difference-maker. If Leeds are to continue their climb up the Premier League table, keeping Calvert-Lewin in this vein of form will be the top priority for the remainder of the season.
Qudus Salihu
Rabiu Aminu
