Dominic Calvert-Lewin extended a strong scoring run as Leeds United drew 1-1 with Sunderland in the Premier League, and the forward described how self-belief helped through difficult years with Everton.
Calvert-Lewin now has eight league goals this season and is enjoying his most productive campaign since 2020-21.
The equaliser at the Stadium of Light arrived on 47 minutes, cancelling Simon Adingra’s impressive first-half strike for Sunderland. That goal means Calvert-Lewin has scored in six consecutive Premier League matches, the longest such sequence of the 28-year-old’s career and one better than his five-game streak under Carlo Ancelotti at Everton in 2020-21.
Across the 2021-22 season and the following campaign with Everton, Calvert-Lewin produced only 17 Premier League goals, despite registering 32.3 expected goals in that period. Injuries restricted minutes and rhythm, yet those figures underline how far current output with Leeds United exceeds the previous two years.
Calvert-Lewin stressed that comparisons with the early Ancelotti spell overlook what has happened since. When asked by BBC Sport if this is his best spell since 2020-21, Calvert-Lewin replied: "People love to hang onto that, don't they? That was a long time ago," before reflecting on challenges and persistence through setbacks.
Calvert-Lewin added: "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. " The forward described the present campaign as a period when confidence and fitness have aligned.
Discussing current rhythm, Calvert-Lewin told BBC Sport: "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. " Calvert-Lewin highlighted combination play and understanding with Leeds United teammates.
Calvert-Lewin expanded on life as a centre-forward, saying: "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. "
This season’s equaliser also carried a notable team statistic for Leeds United.
11 - Leeds United's equaliser v Sunderland was just the second goal scored in the Premier League this season with all 11 players involved in the move, after Rio Ngumohas goal for Liverpool at Newcastle in August. Teamwork. pic.twitter.com/1LG2k05Uc1OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 28, 2025
Premier League impact at Sunderland and Leeds United opponent Simon Adingra
Earlier in the match, Simon Adingra gave Sunderland the lead with a well-taken finish, scoring a first home goal for the club. Adingra is part of Sunderland’s African group of players but was left out of Ivory Coast’s latest Africa Cup of Nations squad, despite the nation entering the tournament as defending champions.
Adingra described that omission as a difficult experience yet sees the Sunderland role as a platform. Adingra told Sky Sports: "It's my first goal at home here. It was a tough moment for me [missing out on AFCON], but I have an opportunity now to show the coach I can also step up. It's down to me now. "
Explaining the background, Adingra continued: "I've had a difficult start to the season.I was not playing a lot, and that's why I've not gone to AFCON. It was painful for me and my family. I have a chance now, so I will try and take it. " Sunderland will hope Adingra’s confidence rises alongside Calvert-Lewin’s ongoing form for Leeds United.
