With just four Premier League games left, Leeds United’s outlook is bleak. Following a 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth, they are just one point above the relegation zone and with Leicester and Everton playing on Monday night, that cushion is likely to disappear. This comes after Leeds had hoped to gain some distance between themselves and the bottom three with a home game against Leicester and a trip to Bournemouth. Instead, they are now more vulnerable than ever, with the Leeds United Supporters Advisory Board issuing a statement of no confidence in the manager and the board.
Things were looking up for Leeds as recently as April 9th when they were 1-0 up against Crystal Palace at half-time. However, Marc Guehi equalised in first-half injury time and Leeds have not been the same since. They lost 5-1 to Palace, 6-1 to Liverpool, and were held at home by Leicester before their 4-1 loss to Bournemouth. The expressions on the Leeds players’ faces showed they understood the severity of their situation.
Jesse Marsch had led Leeds to safety last season but was unable to build on that and was sacked in February. Javi Gracia replaced him but two months on, Leeds look more lost than before. The fans’ advisory board statement read: “The narrow escape from relegation last season should have been the catalyst for a season of growth but this season has now turned into a humiliating disaster.”
Leeds have conceded 23 goals in April, a Premier League record for a single month, and have to face Manchester City, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham in their remaining games. Former Blackburn and Chelsea striker Chris Sutton said: “I worry about Leeds because of their last results and leaking goals.” Former Brighton striker Glenn Murray added: “Leeds are a club I fear for. When Javi Gracia went in there was a reaction and it was positive, but they seem to have lost that momentum.” With poor form from their fellow relegation strugglers being their only source of positivity, Leeds will need something – anything – to cling to in order to raise spirits and instil some much-needed belief that they can stay up.