Leeds supporters would have arrived on Saturday hoping to see Calvert-Lewin continue his resurgence in front of goal. They did not go home disappointed.
The former Everton forward’s two-goal display led to Farke calling him “one of the best English strikers in this league” – but adding he still has plenty to improve.
“He is in great form,” the Leeds boss told BBC Match of the Day. “I spoke highly about him and we are blessed and fortunate that we have him.
“He has shown this during his career when he is fit, but to label him a top-class player for Leeds, he doesn’t have to just show this for a couple of weeks or months, he has to show it over the course of the whole season.”
Calvert-Lewin had four goals in as many matches heading into this game – a run that saw him find the back of the net in a stunning 3-1 win against Chelsea and commendable draws against Liverpool and Brentford.
Those results have provided a renewed sense of optimism for the Leeds faithful and relieved some pressure off Farke, whose change from a possession-based 4-3-3 to a counter-attacking 3-5-2 three weeks ago seems to have inspired his team and especially his in-form striker, who proved to be the difference yet again.
“In the six-yard box is where I need to be,” Calvert-Lewin told Sky Sports. “When you’re in a good moment the ball starts dropping for you and that’s where I’m at.”
Replicating instincts that made him a classic target man at Everton during his nine-year stay on Merseyside, Calvert-Lewin became only the fourth Leeds player to score in five consecutive Premier League games joining Mark Viduka (twice), Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Rod Wallace.
He then struck his first first league double since November 2020 against Fulham to take the contest away from Palace.
“The belief I have in myself hasn’t changed,” Calvert-Lewin added. “I want to give my best for the team and continue playing well.”
With seven goals, he is now the highest-scoring English player in the Premier League alongside Phil Foden and Danny Welbeck.
Asked whether he is dreaming of a first England call-up since 2021, he said: “I don’t get carried away. My job remains the same whether I’m scoring or not scoring. I work hard, lead the line for my team and the rest takes care of itself.”
With a six-point gap to 18th-placed West Ham and his striker in brilliant form, Farke could now afford to look up rather than over his shoulders, having pulled off a tactical turning point that could define Leeds’ season.
