Leeds United are in desperate need of points – and fast – if they are to avoid relegation from the Premier League – and now The Athletic’s Phil Hay has assessed where it has all gone wrong for the Whites.
United finished ninth in their first season back in the Premier League; their attack-minded football winning an army of admirers. However, this season has seen Leeds struggle badly. Indeed, they now face a desperate fight for survival with just four games left.
It doesn’t get much better for Leeds either. Their small squad has been seriously decimated by injuries this season. And with only a two-point buffer to Everton, who have a match in hand, the pressure is ramping up at Leeds.
Here, Everton boss Frank Lampard has shared his thoughts on the run-in.
Furthermore, Leeds now face a punishing end to the season, starting with three games in a week. First up, they travel to Arsenal on Sunday, before a home midweek date with Liverpool. They then face Brighton at home on Sunday week before the season concludes at Brentford.
The general feeling is that Leeds will probably need to win two games to make sure of their status. That will take them to the magical 40-point mark, generally considered to be safe.
But these are exceptional times and nothing can be taken for granted.
While Leeds themselves are enjoying a decent run of one defeat in six, nearest rivals Everton and Burnley have also found form.
Indeed, Burnley had only won three games all season before April 6. Three weeks later and the Clarets now have seven wins.
Assessing where it has all gone wrong for Leeds, The Athletic’s Phil Hay suggests the board must take the blame for a lack of investment in the squad.
Phil Hay claims lack of signings has cost Leeds
Speaking on The Athletic’s podcast, Hay suggested chairman Andrea Radrizzani ought to have signed more players.
There are other factors too. The fact that Marcelo Bielsa’s tactics have been ‘found out’, together with their injury…