The floodgates finally opened for Leeds United in a statement win over Wolverhampton Wanderers as Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the Whites’ first goal from open play of the season.
Daniel Farke and his side finally found their groove in front of goal after a frustrating start to the season saw Leeds United go three games without a goal.
However, Dominic Calvert-Lewin sparked the Whites into life after 31 minutes, as he got on the end of a brilliant cross to loop a header over Jose Sa before Anton Stach and Noah Okafor added two more quick-fire goals to stun the home side.
Although Wolves made most of the running in the second half, they never seriously threatened the Leeds goal, as the Whites held on for an incredibly satisfying win and claimed their first points away from Elland Road this season.
Here are five lessons learned as Leeds moved up to seven points from their opening four games, and left Wolves rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table after five consecutive defeats.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin benefits from early service
Calvert-Lewin received criticism after Leeds’ defeat in West London, having headed straight at Bernd Leno with the best chance of the game for the visitors.
However, he showed exactly why Leeds were so keen to bring him to West Yorkshire with his finish, demonstrating his international pedigree with a brilliant looping header.
Calvert-Lewin cupped his ear and pointed to his shirt after scoring, but some credit has to go to Jayden Bogle for his pinpoint delivery for the Leeds number nine.
The Whites have struggled to provide accurate service from wide in the first four games of the season. Bogle’s superb cross proves that Calvert-Lewin can be a threat if Leeds can give him high-quality, early service.
Anton Stach gets the goal he deserves
Anton Stach has enjoyed a strong start to life with Leeds, having equalled the likes of Eden Hazard by creating more than 10 chances and taking more than 10 shots in his first four Premier League games.
However, the end-product had eluded the off-season signing before the trip to Molineux, as Stach had failed to score or provide an assist during that time.
The impressive midfielder ended that run emphatically with his first goal for Leeds, slamming home an unstoppable free-kick to give his side a 2-1 lead.
Farke had demanded more goals from the Leeds midfield in the build-up to the game, and Stach duly delivered with what will surely be his first goal of many for Leeds.
Noah Okafor can provide the X-factor for Leeds United
Prior to Leeds’ dramatic burst of goals in the first half at Molineux, Farke had been criticised for setting his team up to defend, with questions persisting over where the creative spark would come from.
Although Noah Okafor provided moments of frustration at times, his first goal for the Whites showed why he can provide the X-factor that Leeds have missed this season to date.
Okafor took his left-footed shot first-time and found the bottom corner to give his side a two-goal lead. It showed that the Swiss winger had learned from an earlier chance to do the same, when he took too many touches and was dispossessed in a dangerous position.
Having missed a significant amount of football in recent years, Okafor was always going to need time to get up to speed. However, his goal against Wolves shows that he can make a difference in Leeds’ hunt to stay in the top flight this season.
Daniel Farke ends miserable run against Wolves
Farke will be delighted with the resilience that his side showed to come back from an early deficit to claim a second win of the season.
The Leeds boss will also be pleased to end his own barren run against Wolves, having struggled against this opposition during his time with Norwich.
Farke had failed to win in any of his previous four matches as manager against Wolves, earning just one point in the process.
In securing a much-needed win at Molineux, Farke also equalled a 54-year-old record set by Don Revie, as Leeds won their fourth consecutive league fixture against the Old Gold.
Leeds can be a real threat when Dan James returns
Everyone at the club will be thrilled to end their drought in front of goal, especially given the absences from their squad.
Dan James and Willy Gnonto both missed out on selection for the game through injury, and Leeds played much of the second half with Brenden Aaronson and Jack Harrison on the wings.
After being defended by Daniel Farke in the week, Aaronson produced another typically diligent performance, doing his defensive duties well without ever threatening the Wolves defence.
However, the Leeds team will take on a different complexion when James returns from injury. His pace will be the perfect foil to Okafor’s trickery and will give Farke’s side a different dimension in attack.
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