Leeds involved in feat not seen in Premier League since COVID season five years ago
Leeds recorded their third win of the season by beating West Ham 2-1 on Friday night.
Goals from Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon were enough to see off the struggling visitors at a buoyant Elland Road.
Nine games into the season, Leeds are 15th in the table, and six points clear of the relegation zone.
A run of three matches without a win left Daniel Farke under mounting pressure, yet Friday’s performance showcased that he has what it takes to guide the Peacocks to safety.
After their victory, Leeds are now predicted to stay in the Premier League, with several results this weekend going in their favour.
All three promoted sides achieve unlikely Premier League feat
Leeds weren’t the only promoted side to have joy over the weekend, with both Sunderland and Burnley picking up maximum points too.
Sunderland recorded a superb win away to Chelsea, whilst Burnley secured a dramatic late victory against Wolves on Sunday.
This marks the first time all three promoted sides have won in the same matchday since November 2020.
Coincidentally, Leeds were part of this achievement during the COVID season, when they beat Everton 1-0 at Goodison Park on 28 November 2020.
Their fellow promoted sides that season, Fulham and West Brom, defeated Leicester and Sheffield United, respectively.
On first glance, it may not seem like securing three points for the promoted sides is a good thing for Leeds; yet, with Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Wolves, and West Ham all losing, they have created a nice cushion above the relegation zone.
One of the main themes we’ve seen this season is how competitive this year’s promoted sides have been.
- Read more: Leeds’ survival hopes rest on Daniel Farke’s unsung hero – fans just don’t realise it yet
Leeds are performing well above pre-season expectations
No promoted side has achieved Premier League survival since the 2022-23 season, yet all three teams are giving themselves a fighting chance this year.
Whilst Sunderland are sitting in the lofty position of fourth, Leeds and Burnley have excelled, and perhaps feel unlucky not to have more points on the board.
Late goals conceded to Bournemouth and Fulham cost Leeds three points across both matches, and barring the early-season loss to league leaders Arsenal, Farke has proven that his side can be competitive in every single match.
Leeds were expected to be relegated at the start of the campaign, and as it stands, they’re showing that they aren’t in the Premier League to just make up the numbers.
For the sides currently in the relegation zone, worry will start to creep in about their Premier League status for next season.
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