Leeds United manager Daniel Farke had to hold Dominic Calvert-Lewin back from starting on Sunday vs West Ham, but he made his presence felt off the bench.
United’s FA Cup journey continues this season after a thrilling encounter with relegation rivals West Ham on the Easter weekend.
With Wembley in sight for both clubs, Leeds edged out the contest in the penalty shootout. Spot-kicks were a key topic of conversation in normal time too.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin shakes off Leeds United goal drought with FA Cup penalty
Dominic Calvert-Lewin came into the weekend as a fresh injury doubt, confirmed by Daniel Farke. The England international was nursing a hamstring issue that kept him out of training last week, but was fit enough to make the bench.
At 0-1, Calvert-Lewin was introduced against the Irons and was a key part of an instant impact from Farke’s triple-substitution.
Not only giving Leeds a much-needed focal point, Calvert-Lewin doubled our lead from the spot. When Brenden Aaronson was cut in half by Max Kilman, the 28-year-old stepped up from 12 yards to double our advantage.
It wasn’t enough to win the game in normal time, as penalties beckoned. But, Calvert-Lewin made no mistake against overzealous debutant Finlay Herrick, sitting him down as he calmly dispatched down the middle.
Daniel Farke details “major boost” for Dominic Calvert-Lewin after Leeds United goal
If Leeds can get Calvert-Lewin back into the regular goalscoring form that he showed in the winter, then we’re staying up. It’s largely that simple.
So, to shake off that goal drought since the Nottingham Forest win in February is ideal for the number nine.
Farke is in agreement too, speaking about his striker after the game and noting how it took bravery to take the penalty so quickly after coming off the bench.
“[Meant] a lot for him,” Farke told LeedsLive.
“Was a bit concerned for him for first penalty, hadn’t been on pitch for long. Glad for him to put it to bed [Crystal Palace penalty miss].
“Will be a major boost for his confidence.”
Leeds United need more goals – West Ham performance suggests we have it in us
Calvert-Lewin getting back in the rhythm at this stage in the season would be genuinely massive for us on both fronts.
It should keep us in the league, and it could send us to the FA Cup final. Farke is rightly under no illusions what that penalty could do for his confidence.
You can see it a mile off with strikers that are, or aren’t, playing with confidence. They look transformed in everything they do, Calvert-Lewin being a prime example.
What’s good to see is that penalty miss Farke alluded to at Crystal Palace hasn’t weighed on his mind in moments like this. He still stepped up and confidently dispatched two penalties in a massive game for us. That’s the sort of character we need.
0% Love 0% Funny 0% Wow 0% Sad 0% Angry
Post navigation