After 15 games and a strong start in the 24/25 EFL Championship season, Leeds United sit third in the league table. They’re just two points behind Sunderland. The Whites have recorded impressive results in their last 10 championship fixtures, having lost once to red-hot Millwall away at The Den.
Leeds are looking to claw their way back to the Premier League, and sports pundits believe they might clinch the Sky Bet Championship Title.
Leeds United Learn After Failed Promotion Attempt
In the 23/24 season, the Whites pushed themselves to the limit to secure third place after the gruesome 46-game football calendar. They finished seven points behind Leicester City and one point behind Ipswich Town. Third place was good, but the job wasn’t done.
Only the first two positions saw direct promotion to the PL, meaning Leeds had to win the playoffs. After beating Norwich to secure a spot in the playoff finals, they fell short 1-0 to Southampton. Southampton have started the Premier League season miserably, the Premier League odds suggest they stand little chance of avoiding the drop.
After the playoff final defeat, fans were unhappy with manager Daniel Farke after Leeds failed to clinch the last promotion spot, with some calling for him to be sacked.
After the game, Farke stated how devastated his team was. He said: “We have come so close after an overall terrific season. I can’t say we were the worse team in this final. But they were able to be clinical. Southampton defended well and were a bit more effective, and it’s the reason we lost the game.”
Farke also congratulated them but said it hurt him a lot. He highlighted that many cried on the pitch and in the dressing room. He wanted his team to take the disappointment as extra motivation. Judging from the results Elland Road has seen this season, the response to last season’s big loss seems more than positive.
Encouraging Player Contributions and Results
Before the November International Break, Leeds’ last game against Queens Park Rangers finished in a comfortable 2:0 win. The team also held the best home record in the league, winning 6 out of 8 fixtures in Elland Road. They have also scored the most goals than any side playing at home, with the tally standing at 17.
Players with the most goals across all leagues in the team include Joel Piroe scored six goals, Brenden Aaronson four, Mateo Fernandez, and Largie Ramazani three. Degnand Wilfried Gnonto, Junior Firpo, Daniel James, Jayden Bogle, and Pascal Struijk have all scored two goals.
However, their away form has been a little questionable, clinching 10 points from a total of 7 games. Most fixtures away from home have been draws. They have only walked away with 3 points twice.
During their clash with league leaders Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in October, Leeds almost got away with the win. However, Ian Meslier, the goalkeeper, made a huge mistake that led to a goal in the dying minutes of the game.
Leeds was ahead 2-1 before the mistake, in a stadium that hadn’t seen Sunderland concede a single goal since the start of the season. Sunderland’s central midfielder Alan Browne, who scored the last-minute equalizer, told Sky Sports he felt embarrassed after Meisler gave him the assist.
Premier League Promotion Within Reach
Fans and football analysts strongly believe Leeds United will advance to the Premier League in the 25/26 season. If that were not to happen, many believe head coach Farke deserves sacking.
Former Professional football player turned sports pundit Don Goodman believes Daniel Farke’s team is 100% favorites to win the Championship title. He explained that they are favorites despite losing Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville, and Georginio Rutter.
Goodman added that they had a decent window and have recouped a lot of money from those sales and rectified every FFP issue, while also bringing in Joe Rothwell, Manor Solomon, Largie Ramazani, and Ao Tanaka. He stated that the new additions are good players, and if any club in the league has an opportunity to establish a good lead, it’s Leeds.
Tottenham Legend Darren Bent also predicts the Yorkshire club will have a stellar season. In an interview with talkSPORT, Bent admitted that Leeds is by far the best team in the championship. Bent also said that even though Leeds had to let go of some of their star players, they have enough arsenal in their squad to go up.
Conclusion
Leeds United’s strong start to the 2024/25 season has reignited hopes of a Premier League return. They’ve helped fans forget last season’s heartache. Their impressive home form, coupled with tactical improvements under Daniel Farke, suggest they’re well-equipped to challenge for the Championship title.
Although their away form remains a concern, their squad’s depth and determination to make up for past disappointments. These can provide a solid foundation for success.
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