Leeds United

Adonis Storr
Fan writer

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Best memory and why?

The best memory of 2025 for me was 21 April. Leeds played Stoke City before Burnley hosted Sheffield United in a showdown for automatic promotion from the Championship. Two goals in two minutes at the start of the game sent Elland Road into a wild frenzy and it was 5-0 by half-time. Weeks of tension and anxiety evaporated from the team who played with the swagger of champions.

After the game, thousands stayed in the area to watch Burnley beat Sheffield United and confirm Leeds' promotion with a huge crowd gathering back outside the ground to celebrate. You are lucky if you get a few of these moments in your lifetime.

Worst moment and why?

Half-time at Etihad Stadium on 29 November. Recent losses to Burnley, Brighton, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa had begun to bear down on the players, fans and manager and relegation was starting to look inevitable. Daniel Farke had been too predictable with his tactics, formation and substitutes. The German has since transformed the club, but at that moment his job was in doubt and the season looked bleak.

If I could drink a New Year's brew with one member of our squad/management it would be...

It would be Farke and I would ask him about his transfer plans and how he sees this team evolving in the long term. I would also ask how he turned Joe Rodon into a winger.

The thing that's infuriated me in 2025 is...

Brenden Aaronson's attacking output – but incredibly, over the past few months, he has improved greatly. If he can keep improving and working on his clarity, speed of decision-making and effectiveness in possession, he could turn into a solid Premier League player.

My gut tells me 2026 will bring...

Leeds United will stay in the Premier League and create a platform in the next summer transfer window to become an established top-tier team.

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The latest episode of the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast has just landed from BBC Radio Leeds.

Host Jonny Buchan and Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix look back on Leeds United's final game of 2025 and an "excellent point" on the road at Sunderland on Sunday.

The team also preview the January transfer window and a New Year's Day trip to Anfield to face an improving Liverpool side.

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Leeds' hopes of signing Nottingham Forest's English midfielder James McAtee have taken a blow, with the 23-year-old also linked with a move abroad. (Football Insider), external

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Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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I was at the very entertaining 1-1 draw between Sunderland and Leeds on Sunday. In these days of entitlement at some clubs, it was great to see both teams applauded off by their own supporters at the end.

They were both right to do so. Leeds deserved the three points and their fans understood the team had given everything and created enough chances. Most importantly their recent exponential improvement has not petered out.

Sunderland, missing six players at Afcon and losing their talismanic centre-back Daniel Ballard to injury, know that this battling point could be vital in the coming months.

Two positive, attack-minded sides who have just come up from the Championship are playing fearless football which is a joy to behold.

As were the smiling faces of those fans at the end.

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Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Premier League game against Liverpool at Anfield (kick-off 17:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Joe Rodon will miss "around three weeks" with an ankle ligament injury, with Farke adding the diagnosis is better than what they were "fearing".

• Dan James and Sean Longstaff "need a bit more time to recover" before making their return, but there are no other injuries.

• On Rodon's absence: "He is an integral part of our team, not only this season but has been for years. We have other players who can also play this position and we can be flexible in our formation."

• Farke said he has "no plans" to move on any members of his squad as he likes their "tight group" and most players have been needed and called upon already this season.

• More on the forthcoming transfer window: "I don't believe with working with a big group because it's important for togetherness and unity. We can perhaps improve our group a bit more, but no-one close to the first team group is to leave."

• He said the club "is always attractive" to players because "it's such a big name with a huge fanbase and history". Farke went on to say they are viewed as "an exciting project" to any potential signings.

• On opponents Liverpool, who Leeds held to a draw earlier in December: "It is more or less the same squad for both. Their form has picked up and it's a home game for them [which] makes it more challenging for us. It's a huge task but it's one we are looking forward to. We hope we can be competitive as we were in the first game."

• Reflecting on the midway point of the season and how they are doing: "We know we are in a good position. In the last few seasons 20 points would have been already close to securing survival. We are on the right path, but nothing has been achieved yet."

• He said Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland "have shown there is a chance for the promoted sides" after consecutive seasons of such teams being relegated.

Hear from Farke on BBC Sounds

Leeds have joined Flamengo in the race to sign Lazio's 27-year-old Argentina forward Taty Castellanos. (Calcio Mercato - in Italian, external)

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When Dominic Calvert-Lewin was brought in on a free in the summer transfer window, Leeds fans were less than convinced that he was the number nine that they needed.

Against Sunderland, Calvert-Lewin went some way to prove his striker credentials by scoring his seventh goal in six games.

We asked you what you think of the transfer now. Here are some of your comments:

Robert: I hate to say it, but us fans actually don't know that much. We criticised DCL, Daniel Farke and Brenden Aaronson - yet they all had storming games recently. Perhaps we should have more trust?

Mark: Superb. Absolutely what we needed. Players come to Leeds - some get us and fit in, others don't. DCL gets Leeds. He loves Leeds.

Andy: DCL was always a proven asset for any side. However it's clear the Farke influence has given him the spark, confidence and aspiration to become a formidable goalscorer in the top flight. For me, credit goes to the manager.

Mike: Nobody was convinced when he signed, but we are all eating our words now - talk about finding an absolute diamond in the bargain bucket! He's a legend already, for me.

Neale: DCL with Harry Kane would be a great combination for England. DCL's aerial ability in the box is second to none, and while Kane likes to move around, he misses out on some opportunities DCL would pick up. Thomas Tuchel would be mad not to consider him for the World Cup.

Mike: Glad he's hitting a rich vein of form. I just hope he doesn't get crocked with a silly tackle and get ruled out for months. As for England, it's a step too far this season as I think others will pip him to the places.

Peter: I'm encouraged and impressed with his current form and commitment to the club. But will it last the season? Jury is still out...

John: Some of the questions re Calvert-Lewin still apply - will he stay injury-free and will his form continue? More than happy with him, but we still need cover.

Samuel: I know this is the Leeds United page and I'm an Everton fan but could we please, please, PLEASE have Calvert-Lewin back? Thanks!

Flora Snelson
BBC Sport Journalist

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In the summer transfer window, Leeds United fans were keen that the club armed themselves with a new striker to face the challenge of returning to the Premier League.

But did they want Dominic Calvert-Lewin?

On paper, Calvert-Lewin could have been seen as good business. With more than 50 Premier League goals under his belt, he has plenty of experience beating a top-flight goalkeeper and better still, Everton were content to let him go on a free.

A proven Premier League striker for zero pounds? You'd be lucky to find a better deal.

But Leeds fans certainly were not sure. In the four seasons since he scored 16 league goals for Everton, he had not come close to replicating that form - due, in part, to a questionable injury record.

Had the Whites simply swapped one injury-prone former 15+ goals a season Premier League striker - Patrick Bamford - for another?

Image source, BBC Sport

Midway through Calvert-Lewin's first season at Leeds though, the Sheffield-born striker's rich scoring streak has put his name back in the conversation about who England boss Thomas Tuchel should be taking to the World Cup in 2026.

So how do you feel about Calvert-Lewin now?

Excellent business for Leeds, or still too soon to call?

And what more does he have to do to seal his spot on that plane?

Tell us what you think here

Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked talks of an England recall.

The former Everton player has 11 caps and scored four goals but has not represented the nation since Euro 2020.

Ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes the striker will be in contention to go to the World Cup if he can keep his fine goalscoring run going.

"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," he said. "That comes with playing consecutive games, scoring goals, then your confidence goes up as well. You can see he's got that strut back, that kind of confidence and belief in himself. Nobody's ever doubted his ability or attributes.

"If he maintains this level of form until the end of the season, then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place because his level at the moment is really high and he offers something different.

"He is fantastic in the air and could give teams real problems off the bench."

But competition for places behind captain Harry Kane is fierce.

Danny Welbeck, Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney could all be in contention, and Murphy believes Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, fresh off a double to sink Chelsea on Saturday is currently ahead of Calvert-Lewin.

Whether Calvert-Lewin will be with England next summer could hinge on how many specialist strikers boss Thomas Tuchel wants to have in his squad.

"Every player dreams of England and Calvert-Lewin has been in the squad before, scored goals and shown he is capable at that level, so will have that belief in himself," Murphy added.

"I think it might come down to whether Tuchel takes two or three centre-forwards. If it is three, he definitely has a chance."

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Sunderland and Leeds.

Here are some of your comments:

Sunderland fans

Nick: Possibly one of Sunderland's worst performances of the season, particularly in the second half. Really missed their Afcon players and Dan Ballard. Chris Rigg looked out of his depth at this level and needs protection so he doesn't lose his confidence. Bryan Brobbey and Wilson Isidor lacked the speed, skill, ideas and ability to execute while Granit Xhaka unfortunately had a poor game by his standards. In reality, we were lucky to get away with a draw but it is amazing to be sat in seventh place. We will bounce back (though the next game is going to be a massive challenge).

Colin: Leggy, but we can forgive them. To have 28 points and be unbeaten at home is amazing. Take a bow Regis and the lads.

Chris: Thought we were lucky. Leeds dominated the second half but on the plus point, we showed character and with players on Afcon duty, this was a good point in the end.

Gordon: Sunderland missed the physicality of Ballard. We still created a few good chances but just can't seem to take them when they come. How many times are we going to hit the woodwork this season? We can't complain with our points tally so far although we could do with some firepower up front.

Leeds fans

Stephen: A storming performance. Soaked up the early pressure from Sunderland before controlling much of the first half. Statistically dominated the second period including the crucial goals scored column. Dominic Calvert- Lewin had a superb all-round game capped off with finishing the move for the equaliser. A goal for the ages! With each passing match in the current unbeaten run, the general pattern of play across the team is becoming more accomplished.

Alasdair: Very good point away. A superb team goal and DCL delivers again! Brenden Aaronson has taken a lot of flack from some of the home support this year but he delivered a man of the match performance. Well done lad - keep it up.

Wayne: It's a good point all things considered after being 1-0 down but the way the first 30 minutes of the second half went, I'm a tad disappointed we didn't win. Nice to see 20 points on the board before the halfway stage. Seven points above 18th with a 10-plus goal difference on West Ham is not a bad place to be. We are five unbeaten and are now picking points up on the road. Elland Road is where it happens for us.

Thomas: I think Leeds will be kicking themselves as they let Sunderland off the hook. The second-half performance was exceptional and they should have taken the three points. I think Daniel Farke should have used his substitutes in the final 15 minutes as you could see both teams were out on their feet. Fans will hope Joe Rodon's injury isn't too serious as he been pivotal in their recent improvement.

Match of the Day pundits Joe Hart and Danny Murphy praise Leeds United's build-up play, which resulted in Dominic Calvert-Lewin's equaliser against Sunderland.

Pundits Joe Hart and Danny Murphy join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham

• Sunderland 1-1 Leeds

Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport journalist

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The numbers behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin's resurgence have been impressive.

After scoring just once in his first 10 Premier League appearances this season, the Leeds striker has exploded into form with seven goals in his past six matches - with his latest coming in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland on Sunday.

It made him the first Leeds player since John McCole in the 1959-60 season to net in six successive top-flight games.

The six-game scoring run is the longest scoring streak by an English striker in the Premier League since Jamie Vardy's eight-game sequence for Leicester City in 2019.

Incidentally, it also surpasses anything England captain Harry Kane has managed in the competition with the former Tottenham striker's best standing five-game scoring runs on two separate occasions.

Calvert-Lewin's purple patch has been the catalyst for Leeds' revival with Daniel Farke's side now collecting nine points from a possible 15 since the 3-2 defeat by Manchester City on 29 November.

The five-game unbeaten run has guided them out of the danger zone as they sit seven points clear of 18th-placed West Ham.

With his frontman making a compelling case for an England recall, Farke's side suddenly look like a side with belief and bite as they look to preserve their Premier League status.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke spoke to BBC Match of the Day after his side's draw to Sunderland: "Wins are always good - not just for the table, but also for the confidence of the dressing room. We are in really good form and we never know when we are beaten. Even when we are in a losing position, we know that we can always come back and we can score.

"It's a good period but we have to keep going. Twenty points is good at the stage of the season - but it's not enough to stay in this league. We will need to win many more games, and for that we will need to keep going."

Leeds goalscorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin also spoke to BBC Match of the Day: "It's about the resilience again that we've shown. Good character. The team spirit at the moment is good, it's high. We recognised in the first half we weren't at it. Second half we knew we had to be better, we responded well.

"I think we've shown we can mix our game up. We can be direct, we can play football. It's good versatility within the team. A good goal scored.

"It's always a good feeling to be scoring regularly. I'm in a good moment at the minute. My timing is good. As a team we're gelling a bit more. Things are going well for us.

"You're in flow. You can make those runs as a centre-forward and sometimes the ball doesn't find you when you're in a dry spell. But you've just got to keep doing it and hope that the tide will turn and that's what has happened for me at the moment. I'm feeling good, feeling strong and I'm enjoying playing with the lads."

Is it your best form since playing under Carlo Ancelotti at Everton? "People love to hang onto that don't they? That was a long time ago. I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going and kept pushing. I've backed myself and here I am now."

You've been linked with a return to the England squad, but is your focus just on Leeds for now? "Of course. Of course."

Did you know?

• Calvert-Lewin became only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League appearances, and the first since Joe Willock netted in seven in a row from April to May 2021. He's also the first Leeds player to achieve this in the top-flight since John McCole in 1959-60.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Sunderland's performance

What did you make of Leeds' display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has made just one change to his starting line-up from the goalless draw at Brighton.

Centre-back Dan Ballard is out with an injury, so Dennis Cirkin make his first league start of the season in his place.

Sunderland XI: Roefs, Cirkin, Geertruida, Brobbey, Rigg, Alderete, Mukiele, Adingra, Le Fee, Hume, Xhaka.

Subs: Patterson, Neil, Mayenda, Mundle, Isidor, Hjelde, Harrison Jones, Jenson Oliver Jones, Tutierov.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke has named the same 11 that posted a superb 4-1 win against Crystal Palace last week.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin leads the line hoping to score for the sixth game running while Lukas Nmecha makes the bench after returning from an injury.

Leeds XI: Perii, Bogle, Gudmundsson, Ampadu, Struijk, Rodon, Calvert-Lewin, Aaronson, Bijol, Stach, Okafor.

Subs: Darlow, Piroe, Nmecha, Harrison, Tanaka, Bornauw, Justin, Gnonto, Gruev.

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Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been absolutely unbelievable up front for Leeds.

They are just a much better team with him in it, and their confidence must be sky-high at the moment too, because they have had some excellent results recently.

The worry for Sunderland is how much they will miss their players who are away at Afcon, but I don't think it will affect them.

The Black Cats don't score a lot of goals but they are always so well-organised - I am going for them to win, and keep out Calvert-Lewin to keep a clean sheet too.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Sunday's match (14:00 GMT), which will be the first Premier League game between these sides for 23 years.

Defensive strength key for Sunderland

Sunderland's superb start to the season means they will be sixth on Christmas Day, and while losing six players to the Africa Cup of Nations will test their squad depth, last weekend's 0-0 draw at Brighton offered plenty of encouragement that those absences will not prove too costly.

The Black Cats registered six shots on target against the Seagulls, their highest total in a Premier League match without scoring since April 2016.

Even more reassuring was another display of defensive resilience. Regis le Bris's side recorded their sixth clean sheet of the campaign, already matching their final figure from their most recent top-flight season in 2016–17.

The Wearsiders have also conceded just 17 Premier League goals so far, a record bettered by only Arsenal and Manchester City.

That is more than five fewer than would normally be the case based on their expected goals against figure of 22.45. It remains to be seen whether that level of over-performance is sustainable, but it may not matter.

Sunderland's haul of 27 points would have been enough to guarantee survival last season and, while the threshold could be slightly higher this term, just four more wins should secure safety.

Calvert-Lewin key for improving Leeds

The last time Leeds faced Sunderland in the top flight was in a 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light on Boxing Day 2002, when James Milner scored his first senior goal for the visitors, aged just 16 years and 356 days.

Although eclipsed by James Vaughan's strike for Everton in 2005, Milner remains the second-youngest goalscorer in Premier League history.

The Whites finished 24 points ahead of play-off winners Sunderland in last season's Championship, but have found the step up more challenging than the Wearsiders.

However, Daniel Farke's side are moving in the right direction, collecting eight points from a possible 12 since the start of December to move six clear of the relegation zone. That is thanks in no small part to the form of summer signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Calvert-Lewin managed just one goal in his first 10 Premier League appearances for the club, but has scored six times in his subsequent five games. The 28-year-old will be in contention for an England recall if he maintains that consistency, according to Farke.

Should the striker extend his scoring streak this weekend, he would become the first Leeds player to net in six consecutive top-flight matches since John McCole in the 1959–60 season.