Calvert-Lewin one of Premier League's standouts – Farke

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has labelled Dominic Calvert-Lewin as one of the Premier League's standout strikers.

Calvert-Lewin turned in a hugely impressive display as Leeds thrashed Newcastle United 4-1 at Elland Road on Monday.

The former Everton forward thought he had scored twice in a first-half flurry, but his first goal was instead given to Jayden Bogle.

However, Calvert-Lewin has nevertheless scored more Premier League goals (eight) and registered more goal involvements (11) against Newcastle than he has any other team.

Calvert-Lewin is just the second Leeds United player to score in five consecutive Premier League appearances at Elland Road, after Mark Viduka between March and August 2003 (six in a row), and Farke feels the 29-year-old is among the best forwards in the top flight.

"He plays with confidence, his fitness is up," Farke said of Calvert-Lewin.

"I expect him to lead the group. He's taken responsibility, never in doubt that he scores goals.

"It's not just the goals though, the way he plays is outstanding. He's one of the standout strikers in this league."

Leeds were dominant from the off, and created chances worth a combined 2.08 expected goals, while Newcastle only accumulated 0.88 xG.

Only Arsenal (52), Manchester City (50), Manchester United (45) and Bournemouth (37) have won more Premier League points in 2026 than Leeds (35), with the Whites suffering just a single defeat across their last 13 league games (W6 D6).

Farke was frustrated to concede late on, but otherwise is thrilled with how Leeds performed.

He said: "For each manager, it's a nightmare to concede so late after a performance like that. We allowed them to score, doesn't take anything away from us.

"My boys were brilliant, perfect start. Even in a perfect performance there's always something to moan about, this was definitely one of the rare points I have to criticise.

"Energy, quality, we knew we needed to find a good balance but we were aware of their [Newcastle's] pace and their counter-attack. We found the balance, we were the dominant side.

"We have good fitness levels, you always need to find the right triggers. When you press, everyone has to be on the same page.

"It's a lot of work at the training ground to be that intense. It's not easy, otherwise all the other opponents would do it. Such hard work, we had more chances to score tonight, overall happy with the performance."