Leeds United will be more fuelled than ever to survive after what Jamie Carragher just said
A week can make a huge difference in football, and Leeds United now have increased hopes of surviving relegation.
Leeds clinched a famous 3-1 win over Chelsea before salvaging an incredible 3-3 draw against Liverpool, with the Whites moving two points above the bottom three.
Supporters can thank Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is in the form of his life after three goals in as many games, but also Daniel Farke’s tactical change.
The Whites have looked like a completely different team since the German changed to a 3-5-2 formation in the second half of their defeat to Manchester City.
But as there’s still a long way to go before their survival is clinched, some pundits have reservations about their chances.
Jamie Carragher says Leeds will still find it ‘difficult’
Speaking after their draw against Liverpool, former defender Jamie Carragher thinks Leeds will still find it ‘difficult’ to stay up, as they don’t have the ‘quality’ of other teams.
“Yes, brilliant management, but going to 3-5-2 doesn’t mean all Leeds problems are finished. They are going to lose games; they are going to find it difficult. They do not have the quality of the other teams,” Carragher said.
“But Farke made changes against Liverpool, and we saw a real impact. Calvert-Lewin has made a huge impact over the last week. Elland Road was absolutely bouncing at 2-1, then they equalised again.”
A hint of negativity from the ex-Liverpool defender was matched with positivity towards Calvert-Lewin, who has been tipped for an England call-up by Chris Sutton after his latest heroics.
The 28-year-old has hit a purple patch in recent games, arguably showcasing the form that saw him hit double figures at Everton during the 2020/21 campaign.
Data shows Leeds have the credentials to survive
After taking four points from matches against Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, Leeds have a more favourable run as they clash against Brentford, Crystal Palace and Sunderland before the year is out.
As highlighted by Understat, the Whites are 10th for expected goals against (21.54), while ranking 12th for expected goals (20.96).
It shows that Farke’s men don’t concede a lot of big chances in matches and also carry a threat at the top end of the pitch.
Hopefully, the West Yorkshire outfit can continue their recent momentum and prove Carragher wrong in the process.
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