Leeds United may have lost to Spurs today, but again gave a good account of themselves with their aggressive performance.
United’s chances of staying in the Premier League hinge on how they fare on their home turf, making Elland Road a horrid place to play football.
Spurs are the first side in over a year to come away with three points, but they had to graft for it and weren’t really deserving or convincing of their victory.
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Peter Crouch and Joe Hart praise Sean Longstaff and Dominic Calvert-Lewin for start to life at Leeds United
A core part of Leeds’ newfound approach to games, being aggressive without and the ball and hard to beat, has been Sean Longstaff and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The £15million signing from Newcastle United has been a revelation. Meanwhile, Calvert-Lewin’s presence at the top end of the pitch has been crucial.
Spurs’ star-studded side had to work for their win. That was thanks in-part to United’s English duo Longstaff and Calvert-Lewin making the hosts a tough side to play against, the latter helping tee up Noah Okafor’s equaliser.
In spite of Calvert-Lewin’s work to create the first goal, a glaring missed chance at 1-1 was again the focus for him, while a block in the second half denied a goal-bound effort.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was unable to add to his Leeds United tally against Spurs. (Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers)
TNT Sports’ live coverage brought praise for Both the striker and Longstaff, as former players Peter Crouch and Joe Hart dissected the game.
“I think he’s really given them an edge this season,” Crouch said on TNT Sports, regarding Longstaff. “I think they’ve bought well, Leeds. With Longstaff you know exactly what you’re going to get every single week. He was a bit unlucky not to get in the side at Newcastle but he’s come here and he’s flourished.
“If they can keep Dominic Calvert-Lewin fit… you’ve got players who know the Premier League, a little bit more experience. If they can keep Calvert-Lewin fit as well, I think they’ve got an England No.9 there.”
The Englishmen have added a new dynamic to Leeds’ style since promotion, to which Hart agreed with Crouch on the pair.
“[Longstaff] feels like a real Elland Road player,” Hart said. “I think Calvert-Lewin as well, the kind of players who can get the fans up, get them going, really strong. [Longstaff] has had some big moments already in a Leeds shirt.
“Frustrating times at his boyhood club Newcastle but he’s got a real opportunity in the Premier League to establish himself. Unflashy, I know it’s not a label you want but important is a label he’d want and he’ll certainly be an important player in this team.”
Longstaff has been immense for Leeds, Calvert-Lewin deserves some slack
Longstaff’s arrival at Leeds brought mixed reception, not seen as a hugely ambitious signing. However, he’s surpassing any expectations we had of him, he’s been outstanding.
As for Calvert-Lewin, you can point to the missed chances and criticise, which would be justified. Although, Leeds don’t score or really threaten Spurs’ goal without him.
Ultimately, if Calvert-Lewin was clinical, he’s probably a £50-80million striker. He doesn’t join a newly-promoted club for free without there being drawbacks, but playing to his strengths helps minimise them.
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