Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a candidate for England’s national team? Just a few months ago, the notion seemed laughable. But after netting his fourth goal in as many matches to secure a draw, Leeds manager Daniel Farke has raised the possibility.

“He has a chance to be in the spotlight,” Farke remarked. “If Thomas [Tuchel] has any questions, he can come and speak. Thomas can always call me.”

For the first 70 minutes, the match seemed to drain the energy from West London. Residents in the apartments overlooking the Gtech Community Stadium might have worried about their property values. The deflated ball during the first half symbolized the lack of action.

Then Jordan Henderson made a crucial intervention. Thankfully, his goal—his first in the Premier League in over four years—revitalized the game and set the stage for an exciting conclusion.

Leeds have developed a knack for dramatic comebacks, so it was hardly a shock when, 12 minutes later, Calvert-Lewin headed the ball past Caoimhin Kelleher, ensuring the game ended in a draw.

Leeds are making a habit of gutsy comebacks and it was thus little surprise, 12 minutes later, to see Calvert-Lewin head beyond Caoimhin Kelleher and ensure the spoils were shared.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin could have a chance of playing for England at the World Cup, according to Leeds boss Daniel Farke

Jordan Henderson scored his first goal in more than four years before Leeds equalised

Have Leeds found their survival formula?

Daniel Farke’s recent switch to a 5-3-2 produced barnstorming performances against Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool. 

This game was generally as dull as a shipping forecast, but a point at Brentford is enough to justify sticking by this strategy. The Bees had five wins in seven home games before this; Leeds had lost six of seven on their travels.

It gives Leeds more stability. They are much less vulnerable to counter-attacks and Calvert-Lewin is free to pick battles deeper or out wide. 

Farke said last month that finishing 17th would be a ‘great success’. The German showed little inclination to risk his precious point here, only making his changes when they had gone behind, and he was happy with a draw. 

‘It’s a really valuable point on the road for a newly promoted side,’ he said. ‘Brentford’s home record speaks for itself. The feeling was still that we could have won the game.’

Leeds were hard to break down once again with their 3-5-2 formation, though it took a switch of strategy to find an equaliser 

Calvert-Lewin’s revival

Calvert-Lewin’s resurgence continues. He is the first man to score in four consecutive Premier League games for Leeds since Michael Bridges in 2000. This was a battling performance. 

There were fears in the summer when Leeds signed him as a free replacement for Patrick Bamford. Weren’t they just switching out one injury-prone marksman for another? 

So far, he is scoring all types of goals and he already has five this campaign. He’s only bagged more than that in one of his last four seasons. Leeds must keep him fit.

‘He was very unlucky the last couple of years,’ said Farke. ‘Right now he delivers on a weekly or twice-weekly basis. It’s remarkable. We’re blessed to have him. For me, he’s one of the best English strikers.’

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored in four consecutive Premier League games now 

Farke’s savvy game management 

Farke is often criticised for his game management – particularly for making changes too late – but he pulled another blinder here.

All three of his substitutes were involved in the goals against Liverpool earlier this month and here the addition of Wilfried Gnonto – as well as a switch to a back four – changed the game.

Gnonto’s risk-taking had Brentford on the back foot. He made two key passes – as many as anybody else – and one of those was the cross for Calvert-Lewin’s goal. 

‘I have to praise my lads for the resilience and belief they showed to keep going,’ Farke said. ‘It feels like they could have rewarded themselves with a few points. But happy with a point and the performance.’

Daniel Farke’s game management paid off again as sub Wilfried Gnonto provided an assist

Brentford find a new source of goals

The worry for Brentford is that they are too reliant on Igor Thiago and set-pieces. The £31million man has notched half of their 22 league goals this season – and five of those have been penalties. 

They struggled to break down their visitors here. Besides feeding the ball out wide to Michael Kayode to cross it in, or relying on a moment of inspiration from Dango Ouattara, it was hard to discern their attacking plan and they only managed eight shots in total – only just over half that of Leeds. 

But Andrews gave Henderson more licence to go forward this game and got his reward – and there may be more of that to come. 

‘That triangle down the right of Dango, Kayode, and himself have worked pretty well,’ Edwards said. 

‘I wanted to encourage that a bit. I think it’s an element of Jordan historically being front-footed.’