Dominic Calvert-Lewin continues to soar above the Premier League. The Leeds striker netted his fourth goal in as many games with a spectacular header to earn a precious point at Brentford (1-1), in an emotionally charged encounter at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Henderson's poignant tribute to Jota
Jordan Henderson had opened the scoring in the 70th minute, netting his first Premier League goal since December 2021 against... Everton, when Diogo Jota was also on the scoresheet. The former Liverpool captain celebrated by replicating Jota's iconic celebration, sitting cross-legged on the turf mimicking playing a video game controller. A poignant moment that moved the entire stadium.
"It was his birthday recently. We'll never forget him," Henderson told Sky Sports, visibly emotional. "I don't score many goals, so I thought I would dedicate it to him." The 35-year-old midfielder became Brentford's oldest-ever Premier League goalscorer in the process.
"Like Michael Jordan"
But Leeds refused to surrender. In the 82nd minute, Willy Gnonto, introduced just ten minutes earlier, delivered a pinpoint cross for Calvert-Lewin. The England striker rose majestically above the Brentford defence to power a header into the far corner.
Jamie Redknapp was left in awe: "He's like Michael Jordan! That elevation is incredible." When told of the comparison, Calvert-Lewin smiled: "I didn't realise I jumped that high. Everything slows down in those moments. You just watch the ball, try to time it well. It's my bread and butter really."
Daniel Farke was effusive in his praise: "He is a fantastic striker, it was never in doubt. Harry Kane is playing in the Bundesliga, but Dominic is one of the best English strikers in the Premier League."
Gnonto: frustrated super-sub
For the second consecutive week, Willy Gnonto proved decisive off the bench, having won the penalty that sparked Leeds' comeback against Liverpool. The 22-year-old Italian made no secret of his frustration at not starting: "It's not easy. The competition is quite high, but I have to try and use all my chances. With a striker like Dom, you just know that if you put it in that area, he's going to attack it."
Redknapp analysed: "Gnonto won't want to be known as a sub. You could see the frustration in his face after the match. But sometimes the game gets slower, there's more space, and that's where players like him can make a difference."
Brentford: kings of dropped points
With 13 points dropped from winning positions this season, Brentford hold the worst record in the Premier League in that regard. Leeds thus became only the third team to take points at the Gtech Community Stadium this season, after Chelsea and Manchester City.
"Once you take the lead, I would like to see it out and keep the clean sheet," Henderson admitted. "But Leeds are a good team with some good results of late. Every point in the Premier League is important."
Leeds breathe, World Cup dreams alive?
This point lifts Leeds three points clear of the relegation zone, sitting on 15 points. Calvert-Lewin is enjoying his best scoring run since 2020 under Carlo Ancelotti at Everton.
"This is the fittest I've been in a long time," he revealed. "When you get a certain narrative around you and are tarred with a certain brush, it's quite hard to shake it. The goal is always to play for your country and represent your country at a World Cup. But my job is to do my best for Leeds."
Farke even hinted at an England recall: "My relationship with Thomas Tuchel is very close. If he has any questions, he can call my number." A pointed nod to the Three Lions manager.
Match stats
Leeds dominated the numbers with 17 shots to Brentford's 7, an xG of 1.43 versus 0.71, and 29 touches in the opposition box compared to 14. A point that could have been three, but one worth its weight in gold in the survival race.
