A week is a long time in the footballing world, and a lot can change over the period of 7 days. Form can dip, managers can be sacked, players can get injured and league dynamics can change dramatically.
Speaking of league dynamics, we arrive at the curious case of Leeds United. Relegated to the Championship in the 2003-04 season, Leeds have either stayed there, lingering the top half of the table or have suffered further relegation. It hasn’t been the best of times for Leeds away from the Premier League.
But all those times seemed to be left in the past with the commencement of the 2018-19 season. Midway through the season Leeds were table toppers. But as anyone who has followed the Championship avidly will tell you, it’s unforgiving and extremely difficult to stay on top.
As the season progressed, Leeds dropped to second place, with Norwich taking top spot. With just the top two securing automatic promotion, Sheffield United and Leeds United were in close contention for it. Constantly swapping positions, Leeds seemed to be front-runners for second place with four games left in the season as they opened up a 3 point lead between second and third place.
But the tables have turned extraordinarily, with the Blades in second place and Leeds dropping to third, as Leeds suffered consecutive defeats to Wigan and Brentford, while Sheffield won both their games. This meant that with just two games left, Sheffield United have 85 points, and Leeds have 82.
Leeds face the most in-form team in Aston Villa next. With fans fearing the worst and form not on their side, it is imperative that they win this tie to take it to the final day.
A Leeds fan page posted a motivational video recently, to help the club and fans get through this tough period. The clip is sure to give you goosebumps. It is compilation of key goals and moments in Leeds’ season with a voice-over of quotes from “The Journey” by Fearless Motivation. If there’s one video that the Leeds players need to watch, it’s this one.
https://twitter.com/realrogues/status/1121407273170014209
It is a strong message from the fans that they still believe in the good things going on at Leeds. And with such backing from the fans, it’s the only motivation the players need to give it their all to secure automatic promotion and take the club into the top flight. Fair play to the fans for sticking by the club with such a wonderful show of support and belief.
All things considered, the way Leeds have expressed themselves this season and the way that they have performed under the management of Marcelo Bielsa speaks volumes of their ambitions. It goes to show that Leeds United haven’t come this far, only to come this far.