Brentford, UK - Dominic Calvert-Lewin's rich vein of form continued as his late header secured a 1-1 draw for Leeds United against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday. The goal, his fourth in as many Premier League matches, earned Leeds a valuable point in their fight to move clear of the relegation zone.
The match, a tense affair between two teams looking over their shoulders, struggled to ignite for much of the game. The first half was marked by a safety-first approach from both sides, with clear-cut chances few and far between. Noah Okafor's run and shot in the 28th minute provided the first real test for Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. Just minutes later, Okafor again threatened, racing past Vitaly Janelt before Kelleher intervened to deny Jayden Bogle a tap-in.
Brentford were awarded a penalty in the 34th minute after Dango Ouattara went down under a challenge from Gabriel Gudmundsson. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned, with Ouattara deemed to have been offside. The first half ended goalless, with both sides struggling to find a breakthrough.
Leeds started the second half with renewed intent, with Ao Tanaka and Anton Stach firing shots off target. Calvert-Lewin then sent a weak header straight at Kelleher. It was Brentford, however, who broke the deadlock in the 70th minute through Jordan Henderson. Henderson's shot deflected off Leeds defender Jaka Bijol, leaving Lucas Perri, the Leeds goalkeeper, helpless. The goal was Henderson's first in English football since December 2021.
Leeds responded strongly to going behind, and their pressure paid off in the 82nd minute. Substitute Wilfried Gnonto, who also made an impact against Liverpool the previous week, delivered an inviting cross, and Calvert-Lewin rose highest to head home into the corner. The goal sparked jubilant scenes among the Leeds supporters.
Leeds pushed for a winner in the closing stages, and Kelleher had to be sharp to deny Ethan Ampadu. However, Brentford held on to secure a draw.
The result sees Leeds move three points clear of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Brentford extend their gap to the drop zone to seven points. Both teams will now look to the upcoming festive fixtures to pull themselves further away from danger. Brentford face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals in midweek before travelling to face Wolves next weekend. Leeds host Crystal Palace next week.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin's impressive scoring run is a major boost for Leeds United. His aerial ability and finishing touch are proving to be vital as Leeds battle to secure their Premier League status. The match was attended by 17,159 fans.
