Leeds United handed major relegation lifeline after Burnley defeat
When Leeds United made the call to part ways with fan favourite and legendary coach Marcelo Bielsa, many feared the worse for the club’s season.
But Jesse Marsch’s arrival at the club saw the team improve defensively and still remain a threat going forward, which at one point had them looking safe for another season at least.
But with four games to go prior to the weekend’s round of fixtures, the Whites were in a nightmare position of having the worst goal difference and sitting just two points above Everton, who have a game in hand on themselves and Burnley.
But on Saturday afternoon [May 7] the Clarets amazing form of three wins and a draw from four games came crashing to an end as Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa side beat them 3-1 comfortably at Turf Moor.
So now as Leeds head south to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, they’ve been handed a lifeline in their battle for survival to put it back in their hands.
A win over the Gunners will mean that they leapfrog Burnley once more and depending on Everton’s result against Leicester at the same time, they could create some much needed separation from them too.
Prior to that result, there was worry. Despite their five game unbeaten run and decent performance against Man City, regardless of the 4-0 scoreline, they were relying on others.
They needed Burnley or Everton to falter to allow them back into the race and take control of their own destiny. They’ve been gifted that opportunity immediately and must take advantage.
Marsch must drill the message into his players that they may not get another chance in this battle to save themselves. It’s imperative they give everything now.
Radrizzani will save himself a huge amount of money if Marsch and Leeds are able to navigate away from danger.
Parachute payments will help initially if worst comes to worse, but the difference last season between finishing in 18th place and 9th was £32m. The difference between 18th and 16th was £5m.
Add to that the difference that the club would be able to demand for in-demand star players like Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips in the transfer window, the club could save themselves upwards of £50m.
It’s do or die for the club and they won’t have a better chance to do than against Arsenal.
In other Leeds news, ‘If I had to choose…” – Premier League striker makes Leeds relegation claim, predicts ‘trouble’