Daniel Farke looking on as Leeds manager

Daniel FarkeImago

Why Leeds United fans can still dream after 25-year first in Premier League

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Published on:

20 Sep 2026, 7:10 pm

Leeds United were left disappointed after being held 0-0 at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

However, it has still be a superb start to the campaign for Daniel Farke's side.

The Whites are unbeaten five games into the 2026-27 campaign, accruing nine points from a possible 15.

If there is to be one criticism, it is that too many of those games - three out of five - have finished all square.

But at the same time, Leeds have made themselves one of the toughest sides to beat in the division.

And the Palace stalemate means Leeds are unbeaten after five Premier League games for the first time in 2001-02.

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It is incredible to think it has been a quarter of a century since Leeds last achieved this feat.

United have, of course, spent many of those years away from the top flight.

The Glory Days have been a thing of the past for too long, but fans will still have happy memories.

If a reminder was needed, Leeds finished that 2001-02 campaign in fifth place.

That saw the Whites qualify for what was then known as the UEFA Cup, where they were eliminated by Malaga in the third round.

Leeds have not finished that high in the English football pyramid since, and it goes without saying fans would bite your hands off for that final position right now.

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Realistically, avoiding relegation should not be an issue for Farke's side this season.

Instead, it is about pushing on from a fine first season back in the big time and competing for the spots in the top half.

Nine English teams are competing in Europe this season across three different competitions.

That is a bit of a freak scenario, but at least six spots will be up for grabs again this campaign.

Leeds, as things stand, will be in a Europa League berth - and that could well be a Champions League one.

Time will tell on exactly what each position equates to, but for now Leeds fans have every right to remain excited about what could be.

Daniel Farke

Crystal Palace Football Club

Leeds United Football Club