.The striker’s latest goal sparked chants of “England’s No.9” from the home crowd, a sign of both appreciation and growing belief that he could yet force his way back into the international conversation.
This was more than just three points. It was a performance filled with urgency, intensity and clinical edge — qualities Leeds have sometimes lacked during a turbulent campaign. From the first whistle, Daniel Farke’s side played with the kind of controlled aggression that underlined the stakes of the occasion. Every tackle was cheered, every forward run roared on.
Forest, themselves nervously glancing over their shoulders in the table, started brightly and tested Leeds early with quick transitions down the flanks. But Leeds weathered the early pressure and gradually began to dominate possession. The breakthrough came midway through the first half when a slick passing move split Forest’s midfield. The ball found its way to Calvert-Lewin inside the box, and with the composure of a striker in supreme confidence, he guided a low finish beyond the goalkeeper.
Elland Road erupted. The chant of “England’s No.9” echoed around the stadium — part celebration, part statement. Calvert-Lewin has battled injuries and inconsistency in recent seasons, but this run of form feels different. He looks sharp, decisive and physically dominant once again.
Leeds doubled their advantage before the interval. A driving run from midfield forced Forest onto the back foot, and a deflected effort wrong-footed the visiting keeper to make it 2-0. The cushion allowed Leeds to play with greater freedom in the second half, though Forest responded with renewed urgency after the break.
The visitors pulled one back just past the hour mark, capitalising on a defensive lapse to inject tension into the contest. For a brief spell, Leeds wobbled. Forest pushed bodies forward, sensing an opportunity to salvage something vital from the game.
But if there were nerves, Calvert-Lewin quickly settled them. With 15 minutes remaining, he rose highest to meet a whipped cross, powering a header into the net to restore the two-goal margin. It was a classic centre-forward’s goal — strength, timing and conviction. The celebration was met with another chorus from the stands, supporters fully embracing their talisman.
The final whistle confirmed a result that could prove pivotal in the relegation battle. Leeds showed resilience as well as quality, and perhaps most importantly, they demonstrated they have a striker capable of delivering when it matters most.
For Calvert-Lewin, the narrative continues to gather momentum. Goals in crucial matches, renewed fitness and growing confidence are turning him into the focal point of Leeds’ survival push. Whether or not an England recall materialises, his importance at club level is beyond question.
In a season defined by pressure and uncertainty, Leeds may just have found their match-winner at the perfect time. And as the chants rang out long after full-time, it was clear the fans believe they are witnessing something special.
Be the first to comment