Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored for the fourth Premier League game running as Leeds United came from behind to draw 1-1 at Brentford and move three points clear of the relegation zone.
Daniel Farke’s tactical changes again made the difference for Leeds, with substitute Wilfried Gnonto delivering an inch-perfect cross for Calvert-Lewin to head in an 82nd-minute equaliser after Jordan Henderson had put Brentford ahead earlier in the half.
A West Ham defeat earlier in the day meant Leeds could not be dragged back into the bottom three, and by becoming the first side to take points off Brentford at home since Manchester City in October they have created extra breathing room.
VAR denied Brentford a penalty when Gabriel Gudmundsson was ruled offside after contact with Dango Ouattara in the box; the contact looked minimal and the decision drew criticism for the time taken to reach it. Brentford, who had won their previous three home games, were below their best, but boss Keith Andrews will take consolation from stretching the gap between his side and the bottom three to seven points.
For Leeds, the draw was a slight comedown after an exciting run of results — eight goals in recent matches and points picked up against the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool — but the point extended their unbeaten Premier League run to three games for the first time since 2022/23.
Player ratings (selected): Brentford — Kelleher 7; Henderson 7; Collins 5. Leeds — Perri 6; Ampadu 7; Okafor 7; Calvert-Lewin 8. Player of the Match: Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Calvert-Lewin rediscovering best form
There was scepticism when Leeds signed Calvert-Lewin on a free in the summer, but he has silenced doubters over the last four games. This is his most prolific Premier League run since 2020, when he scored in five straight matches and was an England regular. Farke says he is one of the best English strikers in the league when the ball comes into the box, and his recent form makes him one of the first names on the team sheet.
Calvert-Lewin on his form: “I’m feeling good, the performances are speaking for themselves. This is the fittest I’ve been in a long time. I’ve worked extremely hard to get in this position… It’s always been about being mentally tough, hanging in there and step by step putting performances together.” On a potential England recall he added: “It’s always the goal… but my job is to do as best I can for Leeds and that’s what I came to do.”
Farke: Tuchel can call me any time
Manager Daniel Farke praised Calvert-Lewin’s aerial threat and consistency, saying the striker will be important for Leeds going forward. Farke joked about his relationship with England manager Thomas Tuchel — “He will know exactly what he needs to win the World Cup” — and offered Tuchel an open line if he wants to discuss Calvert-Lewin’s progress, stressing that continued performance is key to attracting attention.
Henderson dedicates goal to Diogo Jota
Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson, who opened the scoring, dedicated his goal to the late Diogo Jota: “It was his birthday recently and we’ll never forget him… I can only imagine what the lads at Liverpool are going through. He was a good friend. I don’t score many goals so when I did, I thought I’d dedicate it to him.”
Andrews: We take the point and move on
Brentford boss Keith Andrews reflected on facing a Leeds side in good form and said: “Overall, I felt it was a team that we faced today that were in a good place… We dust ourselves down, we take the point and we move on.”
What it means
– Leeds: A crucial point away from home, moving three points clear of the relegation zone and extending a run of improved results. Calvert-Lewin’s form provides a timely boost as they fight for survival.
– Brentford: A frustrating afternoon at home where a strong recent record stalled; the point keeps them clear of immediate danger but highlighted areas for improvement.
Up next
Check respective fixtures for Brentford and Leeds as the Premier League season continues.