When Ao Tanaka’s shot was parried into the warm Elland Road air on Friday night by a sprawling Martin Dubravka, there was one player in the penalty area, eyes-wide, that was more alert than anyone else.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s leap seemed to leave his outstretched boot dangling for an age before his touch clipped the ball into the Burnley net for Leeds’ third goal on the night and the Englishman’s 13th of the season.
Leeds’ number nine has matched his tally for his previous three campaigns at Everton combined; and part of the reason for his resurgence has been his fitness.
The three games Calvert-Lewin has missed this year are his fewest absent for five seasons.
Brought in at the back end of last summer on a free transfer, the Leeds striker was part of a trio of attackers that the club recruited who all had worrying injury records, that included Lukas Nmecha and Noah Okafor.
But United’s medical team have ensured the Whites squad has missed the fewest games this season of any Premier League side on 77. By comparison Tottenham have missed the most on 363.
However, Calvert-Lewin’s form cannot be explained by fitness alone.
Five months ago, the striker called Leeds “a breath of fresh air”.
In March, he credited the club as the key reason he was back in an England shirt.
And after the Burnley game, the striker praised Daniel Farke, stating: “He has certainly helped get the best out of me this season and filled me with confidence.”
Calvert-Lewin’s improvised finish last Friday might have come off the boot of a free transfer, but if it keeps Leeds in the Premier League, it will be a golden touch worth over £100m.
From his hold-up play to his goals and goal-line clearances, Calvert-Lewin has been a revelation for Leeds this season and a big reason why they are almost mathematically safe.
Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock