Leeds United could be in ‘serious trouble’ if they repeat Crystal Palace debacle – Sky Sports pundit
David Prutton believes Leeds United are not one of the Premier League’s three worst teams but they could be in “serious trouble” if they deliver any performances as bad as the 5-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.
After picking up crucial wins against Wolves and Nottingham Forest shortly before facing the Eagles, Javi Gracia’s side was full of confidence, but they ended up being embarrassed in front of the Elland Road faithful.
The thrashing to Roy Hodgson’s side left Leeds just two points above the relegation zone with eight games of their season remaining, with a tough test against Liverpool awaiting on Monday evening (17 April).
Writing for the Yorkshire Evening Post, Sky Sports pundit Prutton admitted he was “relatively confident” the Whites would avoid relegation due to the poor quality of the teams around them but that they must avoid further drubbings in the ilk of last weekend.
“Leeds’ relegation rivals Everton, Leicester City and Southampton all got beat on Saturday and from a Leeds perspective you would hope those teams are just stuttering too much. Forest are another team that are having a proper wobble at the wrong time.
“Obviously Leeds have got to take care of their own business but there will also be times when they are relying on what goes on elsewhere. I’ve definitely seen three worst teams.
“But then if you looked at the second half last week you’d say that Leeds must be one of the ones that are getting a hiding most weekends in the Premier League.
“I’m relatively confident right now that Leeds will stay up because of where they find themselves in 16th place. But any more debacles like the second half last Sunday and they’re going to be in serious trouble.”
Bounce back needed
The drubbing to Crystal Palace came out of absolutely nowhere and would have left Gracia extremely worried about the character of his team.
Although the Whites have generally taken strong strides since the Spaniard’s arrival at Elland Road as manager, collapsing in such a manner against a direct rival isn’t a good look.
The defensive naivety on show was disappointing to see, with the likes of Luke Ayling having an absolute nightmare and doing his long-term selection chances no good whatsoever.
Although Crystal Palace do possess several attacking livewires, they were awarded too much space and respect to pick apart Leeds United’s scattergun defence.
Gracia will be hoping that Austrian international Max Wober is deemed fit enough to start against Jurgen Klopp’s side on Monday night to help alleviate the pressing concerns about his defence.
As Prutton says, Leeds are by no means short on quality compared to their relegation rivals, but deliver any more performances like last week and they could be dragged back into the thick of the relegation battle.
In other Leeds United news, Ian Wright cannot believe his eyes after footage surfaces of a Leeds player on social media.