Form crucial for Leeds United leading up to the Qatar World Cup break

After finally getting over the hump in 2020 by booking their return to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years – Leeds United’s spell in the top-flight since has been somewhat of a mixed bag. After producing a ninth-place finish and 59 points in their first season back in the league – the most by a newly promoted side since 2001 – the Whites followed that up with a less than stellar campaign in 2021/22 that saw them narrowly avoid relegation on the final day.

Their 2023/23 season thus far has yet again been plagued with inconsistency, with the Yorkshire outfit registering two wins, three draws and four losses from nine outings. After starting their campaign with promising performances in their opening two fixtures – which included a win over Wolverhampton Wanderers and a 2-2 draw away at Southampton – the Jesse Marsch-managed side faced their first real test against big six heavyweight Chelsea.

United delivered, defying the betting premier league odds to thump the Blues 3-0 in front of a packed Elland Road crowd. After such a scintillating display, the optimism surrounding this United side was palpable. However, since that awe-inspiring afternoon in Leeds – they have been on a poor run of form that has seen them fall to 15^th in the table.

With convincing losses to Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford and Crystal Palace – to coincide with unsatisfactory draws with Aston Villa and Everton – United’s season is at a crossroads. United would have been hoping to steal a point or three when they took on league leaders Arsenal at home most recently (at the time writing), and will be kicking themselves that they couldn’t manage to do so as they were blessed with plenty of golden opportunities throughout the 90 minutes. After attempts from Luis Sinisterra and Pascal Struijk went agonisingly close to putting the home team in front, Arsenal countered with a goal to Bukayo Saka in the 35^th minute.

Leeds fought back valiantly, placing pressure on Mikel Arteta’s side that appeared to result in a goal to striker Patrick Bamford – however, it was ultimately disallowed after the forward was deemed to have pushed the opposing defender in the back. Bamford had another chance to level the scores not long thereafter, with United awarded a penalty due to an Arsenal hand ball. He was unable to capitalise however, pushing the attempt from the spot wide. To add insult to injury, Leeds had another penalty in the box overturned – ensuring the away side were able to hold on to their 1-0 lead and maintain their position atop the league table. 

United will hoping to bounce back from that disappointing defeat and finish their October and November strong to take some of the pressure off their squad – however – it doesn’t get any easier, with their draw leading up to the international break for the Qatar World Cup a tough one. With games against Fulham, Liverpool, Bournemouth and Tottenham scheduled, they will need to pick up a few points in those fixtures if they’re to stay safely out of the relegation zone. It’s also imperative that Marsch’s men capitalise on the easier matches on the schedule, and secure all three points against Leicester City and Wolverhampton. 

One thing is for certain though, the next month will prove telling in the context of Leeds United’s season.