Dominic Calvert-Lewin nodded home an 82nd-minute equaliser as Leeds United came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at Brentford, a result that moves them three points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.
Daniel Farke’s tactical tweaks again proved decisive. Substitute Wilfried Gnonto supplied a perfectly weighted cross that Calvert-Lewin met with a header to cancel out Jordan Henderson’s earlier opener for Brentford.
An earlier West Ham defeat meant Leeds could not be dragged back into the bottom three, and by becoming the first side to take league points off Brentford at Brentford Community Stadium since Manchester City in October, Leeds have created extra breathing room.
Controversy arrived when VAR ruled out a late penalty appeal for Brentford after Gabriel Gudmundsson was adjudged offside following contact with Dango Ouattara in the box. The contact looked minimal and the length of time taken to reach the decision prompted criticism. Brentford, who had won their previous three home matches, were below their best, but manager Keith Andrews will take consolation from maintaining a seven-point cushion above the relegation zone.
For Leeds, the draw was a modest step back after a bright spell of results that has included goals and points against top opponents. Still, the point extended their unbeaten Premier League run to three games — their longest streak since 2022/23 — and Calvert-Lewin’s fourth straight scoring match underlined the forward’s resurgence.
Selected player ratings
– 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 his best
There was scepticism when Leeds signed Calvert-Lewin on a free in the summer, but the striker has quietened doubters with a run of four consecutive Premier League games with a goal. This is his most productive spell in the top flight since 2020, and Farke has repeatedly highlighted his potency in the penalty area.
On his recent form Calvert-Lewin said: “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.” Asked about a possible 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 on Calvert-Lewin and attention from national coaches
Farke praised Calvert-Lewin’s aerial threat and consistency and said the striker will be important for Leeds moving forward. He joked that any national coach could call him if they wanted to discuss the forward’s progress, stressing that sustained performances are what ultimately attract attention.
Henderson dedicates goal to Diogo Jota
Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson, who opened the scoring, dedicated his strike 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: take the point and move on
Brentford boss Keith Andrews reflected on facing a Leeds side in good form: “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 valuable away point that extends an improved run of results and moves them three clear of danger, with Calvert-Lewin’s form providing a timely boost.
– Brentford: A frustrating afternoon at home that halts a brief winning run; the point keeps them comfortably above the bottom three but highlighted areas to improve.
Up next
Fans should check the clubs’ fixture lists for their upcoming Premier League matches as the season progresses.