Daniel Farke’s future as Leeds manager has looked much more secure since he switched things up to play with a 3-5-2 formation earlier this month.
An agonising injury-time loss at Manchester City, victory over Chelsea and comeback draw against Liverpool helped to silence his critics and the German set his side out in that same structure once again at Brentford.
Those results are likely to have earned Farke enough credit to keep his job if they lost at Brentford, but his players showed similar spirit to ensure that wasn’t the case.
Leeds undoubtedly look more organised at the back in this new system and nullified the hosts for most of the game.
Heads could have dropped when they conceded the opener but Henderson’s goal only served to galvanise the visitors.
Calvert-Lewin had a largely quiet game, but there was little doubt he would convert when he leaped high in the air to meet Gnonto’s cross.
Farke said he was “desperate” to sign the 28-year-old on a free transfer following his release by Everton and, after a slow start, Leeds are now reaping the rewards as he stays fit and shows the form that earned him England honours.
Calls for a return to the Three Lions fold may feel premature, but if he maintains this scoring streak, he might help save Leeds from relegation and force his way into the reckoning for a spot at the 2026 World Cup.