Leeds United are finally back in the Premier League after a 16-year absence. The Whites won the Championship with a 10 point difference over second placed West Brom and thoroughly deserve credit for their performances this season.
Marcelo Bielsa’s team were in superb form before football was temporarily put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic and they continued on the same track after the resumption as well.
A new graphic released by BBC, which ranked the teams from top six European Leagues based on their showing post-lockdown, reveals that Leeds’ performances were even better than their next season’s Premier League opponents Manchester United and Manchester City.
Leeds played a total of 9 games since the restart and dropped points on just 2 occasions, a 2-0 defeat to Cardiff in their first game post-lockdown and a 1-1 draw against Luton Town. They won their remaining 7 matches and picked up an impressive tally of 22 points at an average of 2.4 per game.
Manchester City’s form post lockdown was just as impressive. The Citizens played a total of 10 games during the same period and attained 24 points, 2 more than Leeds, as they won 8 and drew on 2 occasions. They also averaged 2.4 points per game.
In contrast, fierce rivals Manchester United played 9 games but attained 21 points as they won 6 and drew 3 at an average of 2.3 points per game.
The graphic certainly sums up that the Peacocks didn’t drop their guard during the lockdown and continued from strength to strength.
The team’s fitness levels were impressive and there was no sign of complacency and lack of rhythm. The fact that Leeds were only bettered by AC Milan, Atalanta, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich further demonstrates the team’s credentials.
Check out the graphic from BBC below –
With the experienced Marcelo Bielsa at the helm, Leeds can be the surprise package in the Premier League next term if they manage to continue their impressive form against the big boys as well.
