Calvert-Lewin continues hot streak to ease Leeds’ fears of relegation

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s startling metamorphosis from forgotten man to a striker on the verge of an England recall continued as his seventh goal in six games further reinforced Daniel Farke’s job security at Leeds.

- 

A month ago Farke was rumoured to be under severe pressure at Elland Road but a change of formation and, most importantly, Calvert-Lewin’s renaissance have gone a long way towards assuaging relegation fears.

Leeds had to settle for a point here but there were moments when they threatened to end Sunderland’s unbeaten league record at the Stadium of Light this season.

Along the way, an always compelling game provided an antidote to suggestions that the gap between the top tier and the Championship is becoming almost insurmountable for promoted teams. On this exhilarating evidence this pair are not only more than good enough to stay up but the Premier League would be a poorer place without them.

“We showed great mentality to come back from a losing position,” said Farke, who saw Leeds fall behind to Simon Adingra’s 28th-minute opener before recovering to extend their undefeated league run to five games. “Sunderland are difficult to open up so it’s a good point on the road but I had a gut feeling we could win and, if we’d been a bit more clinical, we would have done.

“It’s another step forward but we could have made it a huge step forward. That’s why I’m not dancing on the table tonight.”