Credit: Imago

Richie Mills

Sun 22 February 2026 14:10, UK

Tensions of sorts mounted between backroom staff before Leeds United’s draw at Aston Villa.

That is according to Graham Smyth for the Yorkshire Evening Post, as he detailed a revealing exchange before the 3pm game on Saturday at Villa Park.

Prior to Leeds claiming a valuable point in the 1-1 draw against the West Midlands outfit, Smyth outlined how the Yorkshire team’s kit men faced a “grilling” from Aston Villa’s staff after dining in the media lounge with no accreditation.

He adds that this was despite the Elland Road side’s entourage being decked head to toe in club gear with their initials printed on.

Smyth joked that there was a “full investigation” into this matter, which was debated long and hard for a good hour, all because Leeds’ staff got some “delicious” press lounge food.

• Read more: Everything Wayne Rooney said about ‘brave’ Leeds United on Match of the Day vs Aston Villa

Leeds United’s ongoing issue comes back to haunt them

Thanks to Anton Stach’s brilliant long-range free-kick, Daniel Farke‘s team looked to be heading for a rare and crucial away victory against third-placed Villa.

Unfortunately for Leeds, Tammy Abraham scored a fortuitous goal off his knee two minutes from full time to ensure both clubs came away with a point.

The result ensured that Leeds have lost just twice in their last 14 league games, with Farke’s team currently six points above the relegation zone.

However, Villa’s late goal highlighted a growing issue for Leeds in their bid to stave off relegation to the Championship.

They have now dropped 17 points from winning positions this season – the fifth-highest in the Premier League.

Perhaps fortunately for Leeds, 18th-placed West Ham have dropped a whopping 20 points from winning positions this term. Without that, this relegation battle could be even more tense.

• Read more: Anton Stach sublime, Brenden Aaronson has rare stinker – Leeds player ratings vs Aston Villa

Leeds pass one test but bigger ones loom large

Leeds’ point maintains their gap to the bottom three, but they could drop down the table if Tottenham secure an unlikely win over Arsenal in the North London Derby on Sunday.

Leeds will also have an eye on Nottingham Forest’s home clash with defending Premier League champions on Sunday at City Ground.

And Leeds’ task doesn’t get much easier when they host in-form Manchester City at Elland Road next Saturday.

That match may be something of a free shot but more winnable games follow that, starting with mid-table Sunderland, and then strugglers Crystal Palace.

Leeds round off March at home to high-flying Brentford, as the Whites seek to surge clear of the relegation zone.

At present, it seems like three more wins may guarantee Leeds’ safety but there could be plenty of bumps in the road along the way.

For all the latest goings on at Elland Road, head over to Football Insider.