Chris Sutton shares Leeds United ‘fight’ claim amid Elland Road scenario
Chris Sutton has suggested Leeds United face a “hell of a fight” to maintain their Premier League status.
Javi Gracia’s side face Arsenal on Saturday (1 April) looking to put further distance between themselves and the bottom three.
Sutton was impressed with their “superb” 4-2 win over Wolves but still feels Leeds face a battle to avoid the prospect of returning to the Championship.
“Jesse Marsch brought stability towards the end of last season,” said Sutton (Daily Mail, 30 March).
“From March to May, Leeds secured four wins under the American, including a last-day defeat of Brentford which saw them survive at Burnley’s expense.
“Javi Gracia needs that, too. Arsenal are next, but then come games at Elland Road against Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Liverpool which will tell us more about where they stand in this relegation race.
“That superb 4-2 win at Wolves before the international break was a game-changer. Leeds have talented young players, from Wilfried Gnonto to Brenden Aaronson, and it promises to be a hell of a fight. Worryometer reading, 7/10.”
So tight
There hasn’t been a relegation battle like this in years. Nearly half the league table is struggling for points, and, as of now, it’s hard to predict who will go down come May. Any side that puts a run of wins together will pull themselves clear of trouble relatively quickly.
As for the Whites, their season won’t be defined against the like of Arsenal. The upcoming fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace will have a big say in Leeds’ survival hopes. They have to use Elland Road to their advantage. Back-to-back wins at this stage in the season would be priceless and would plunge Palace and Forest into severe danger.
The performance against Wolves was impressive. Leeds were clinical and managed to withstand a period of late pressure from the home side. Willy Gnonto will miss the game at The Emirates, and Gracia will be hopeful the Italian will be able to return for Tuesday’s fixture against Forest (4 April).
In other Leeds United news, Premier League rivals have jumped on a late hijack attempt over a deal that was on the brink of bringing a permanent signing to Elland Road.
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