Dominic Calvert-Lewin reaffirms recipe for Leeds United success with Christmas cheer for Daniel Farke — Leeds Live 21/12/25

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Leeds United have not only given themselves a blueprint for success but have cast doubts in the minds of relegation rivals

Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter

Leeds United gifted their fans an early Christmas present by going six points clear of the bottom three ahead of the big day.

The Whites already knew they were out of the relegation zone before kick-off against Crystal Palace thanks to West Ham’s defeat at Manchester City, which was already a significant milestone. That then presented Leeds with an even tastier opportunity.

Any result last night would have been a good step for Leeds but to get the win not only offers them valuable breathing space but also dents the confidence of relegation rivals, Burnley and West Ham in particular.

Of course, the job is far from close to being done. Leeds sat 13th at Christmas in the 2022/23 season and supporters all know how the season ended. But there does seem an awful lot more things to be positive about this time around.

The complete performance? Almost

Half-time against Manchester City is increasingly seeming like a seminal moment in both United’s and Daniel Farke’s destiny. The trajectory has changed so much that Leeds look like the Premier League regulars they wish to be long term.

The display against Palace was almost a complete performance. It can’t be classed a total success given those three second-half minutes that saw the visitors net from the spot and very nearly get a second goal they did not deserve, goalscorer James Devenny thundering a header he should have scored off the post.

It means Leeds are still waiting for their first clean sheet since August but that can be forgiven given what else went on. A solid midfield, a functioning formation and a clinical striker - that sounds like a recipe for survival. One Farke should be praised for finding.

Calvert-Lewin in red hot form

About that clinical striker. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is in his best scoring form for four years. The last time he scored five games in a row, the then-Everton striker made the squad for the delayed Euro 2020 Championships the following summer.

It wasn’t too long ago that some fans aired frustration over his lack of goals but even then it was clear to all what he brought to the side - it was partly about a lack of service. He has been the biggest benefactor from the change of system and he has been vocal about this.

"I enjoy having bodies around me,” he told Sky Sports. “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."

Keep on going and the England World Cup shouts will only grow louder. As his manager says, just “keep going”.

Keeping the momentum vs Sunderland

The reality of the Premier League is that there are no easy games, even amid a positive run of form. There is a need to continue this form in next Sunday’s trip to Sunderland given the new year schedule on the horizon.

Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United all await in the first seven days of 2026. Leeds will fancy their chances given their recent form but the truth is that they have earned just one point away from home in three months. They cannot take anything for granted.

Sunderland might have six players away at AFCON, which will clearly have an impact, but the home support will be out to get revenge for that unforgettable February comeback at Elland Road amid the Championship promotion race.

Leeds have not gone unbeaten for five Premier League games since April 2022 but they have every reason to believe they can and will.

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