Leeds United produced a dominant display to beat Norwich City 3-0 at Elland Road in the fifth round of the FA Cup, securing a place in the quarter-finals for the first time since 2003.
Sean Longstaff, returning to the starting line-up, broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute, before Gabriel Gudmundsson doubled Leeds’ lead just before half-time to give the hosts a firm grip on the game.
Daniel Farke’s side remained in control throughout the second half, limiting Norwich’s chances, and Joel Piroe added the finishing touch with his first goal of the season to seal an impressive 3-0 victory.
It was also an opportunity for Farke to test some of the squad players, and while Dominic Calvert-Lewin was expected to be taken out of the starting eleven, he was not even in the squad for the FA Cup clash.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has a knee problem
The 28-year-old striker has been huge for Leeds this season, scoring 10 Premier League goals and playing a huge role in keeping the Whites out of the relegation zone.
Leeds want to be extra careful with managing Dominic Calvert-Lewin due to his recent injury history and have largely managed to keep him fit for the league games.
He was not even in the squad for the FA Cup win over Norwich City, and Leeds didn’t really miss him against the Championship side.
Farke confirmed after the game that the striker has a minor knee problem, which kept him out of the squad for the clash against the Canaries on Sunday.
Leeds want him to be fit for the trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday and decided to give him the day off in the FA Cup.
The Whites also decided against risking Joe Rodon after he picked up a hamstring problem recently.
Farke made the right decision
Calvert-Lewin started in both the defeats against Manchester City and Sunderland within a span of four days and the FA Cup game was the perfect time to take him out of the firing line.
The minor knee problem means Leeds had no reason to even have the striker in the squad, and they will hope to have him fit for the trip to Selhurst Park.
Farke will be hoping Dominic Calvert-Lewin can stay fit and deliver more important goals as Leeds look to move a step closer to Premier League safety tonight.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – Leeds United Premier League Stats| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Club | Leeds United |
| Competition | Premier League |
| Matches | 26 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Minutes Played | 1,941 |
The Leeds manager does not have another striker of the same calibre available. Lukas Nmecha has contributed at times, but he has not quite matched the overall quality and presence of the former Everton forward.
Keeping Calvert-Lewin fit for the remainder of the season could prove crucial for Leeds’ prospect of staying in the Premier League.
