Monday night saw Leeds United have their best game in the Premier League this season. But the match did not come without its incidents and controversies.
The home side dominated Newcastle United and gave them no breathing room in the first half.
And unlike in previous games, Daniel Farke’s men put them to the sword, scoring three goals before the break. Matthias Jaissle’s men were stunned and looked lost during the opening half.
Leeds continued their pressure in the second half, and killed off the game with a fourth goal.
It was a very impressive display, which could have been much better with a clean sheet. Unfortunately for Daniel Farke, the Magpies popped up with a late consolation goal to end the game 4-1.
Former referee believes Leeds United star was lucky to escape red card
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Credit: Imago
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the star of the show for Leeds United, with many singing his praises.
Troy Deeney named the England striker in his BBC Team of the Week, and Simon Jordan had a lot to say about the former Everton man on talkSPORT. He backed the claim that Calvert-Lewin is arguably the best England striker in the league.
The striker was involved in two incidents during the match. The first was him claiming the goal that Jayden Bogle was credited; the defender is believed to have touched the ball for the second goal.
Calvert-Lewin was also booked for leaving his elbow in an aerial challenge with Sven Botman.
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett says the striker was lucky to not have been sent off for the elbow.
“This was no accident, and he is lucky not to receive a red card for this challenge.” Hackett told Football Insider.
“The referee judged it as ‘reckless’ and not ‘violent conduct’. It was borderline and the player got the benefit of the doubt.”
A red card would have been very soft
It was a yellow card offence, and nothing more than that from Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Two players challenged for the ball in the air and one was unfortunate to be caught with an elbow. Calvert-Lewin had no malicious intent behind that and should not have been unfairly punished.
Michael Salisbury handled the situation very well just like with other incidents in the game.
Leeds United played so well on Monday night in front of their home crowd. It was one of the better performances the fans have seen at Elland Road in the league since the start of the year.
