As the Premier League table begins to take shape, Leeds United finds itself in a nostalgic third place, reminiscent of their top-five finishes in the early 2000s. Their recent 4-1 victory over Newcastle United marks the best start to a top-flight season since 2001-02, highlighting Daniel Farke's unbeaten squad's progress.

The turnaround can be traced back to a pivotal formation change by Farke nearly nine months ago. After trailing Manchester City 2-0, Leeds rallied to a 2-2 draw before succumbing in stoppage time. Since then, they have only lost five of their last 29 league games, a performance that would rank them fifth in a hypothetical table during that period.

Key to this revival was the strategic signings in the 2025 summer transfer window. Farke and new sporting director Adam Underwood focused on acquiring taller players to enhance the squad's physical presence for the Premier League's demands. Notably:

• Jaka Bijol
• Sebastiaan Bornauw
• Dominic Calvert-Lewin
• James Justin
• Lukas Nmecha
• Noah Okafor
• Lucas Perri
• Anton Stach

Eight of these ten new arrivals stand over 6ft tall, a deliberate approach to improve their defensive capabilities against aerial threats.

Despite a shaky start to the season, with eight losses in their first 13 games, Farke's tactical adjustments have solidified Leeds’ defense. Only Arsenal, City, and Nottingham Forest have conceded fewer goals since the formation switch.

The adjustments have notably benefited Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who, with 14 top-flight goals since last December, is thriving alongside strike partners like Nmecha and Okafor. As Leeds prepares to face Crystal Palace at Elland Road, Calvert-Lewin aims to make history by scoring in six consecutive home league games, a feat last achieved by Arthur Hydes in 1932. With three goals this season, he is also vying for a spot in the England squad ahead of an important Nations League series.