Georginio Rutter played his part as Leeds United beat Middlesbrough

Leeds United at risk of unwanted 26-year first after Middlesbrough win

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Published on:

23 Apr 2024, 11:40 am

Leeds United kept their hopes of automatic promotion alive with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Middlesbrough on Monday evening (22 April).

The Whites were made to work hard for their win, which saw them recover from behind and then later hold on for three valuable points.

As per Opta's Jonny Cooper on X [23 April], it is the seventh time Leeds have won a league game they have trailed in this season.

Not since 1963-64 have they done that, when winning the old Second Division, so the omens are good in that regard for Daniel Farke's battlers.

Leeds United heading for record points tally

The win at Riverside Stadium also took Leeds to the 90-point mark for the campaign, which so often would be more than enough for promotion.

Indeed, 81 points would have been enough to finish above Luton Town and finish in second place last season.

And yet Leeds are still not technically favourites to go up automatically. Instead, Leicester City and Ipswich Town are the two frontrunners.

Leicester are one point better off than United with a game in hand, while third-place Ipswich are a point behind but also have a game in hand.

Leeds United need Ipswich Town to slip-up

It means that Leeds could potentially become the first side since Sunderland in 1997-98 to register 90 points and yet miss out on promotion.

That stat, shared by LUFC Data on X [23 April], shows just how cruel it will be on one of Leicester, Ipswich or indeed Leeds.

You'd have to go as far back as 1997/98 and Sunderland (finished third with 90 points) to find the last side to earn 90 points in a single season in the second tier of English football and not seal automatic promotion. https://t.co/wae5xXBZHO
— LUFCDATA (@LUFCDATA) April 23, 2024

Leeds have broken numerous records across this campaign, but this is not one they will want next to their name.

And if all three teams at the top win their remaining games, it may be that a record is set for the most points ever registered for a team in third.

It does not bear thinking about from Leeds' perspective. All we can hope for is a slip-up from Ipswich or Leicester over the next fortnight.

In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay hit out at a "ludicrous" disadvantage the Whites have over their promotion rivals.

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