Leeds United have never been the top-of-the-table contenders in the Premier League. However, we surely didn’t expect them to drop down to the Championship after a fantastic season the year prior. Leeds currently sit third in the Championship, which isn’t anything to turn your head at. Despite being at the top of the English domestic second league tier’s table, this is a long fall from grace after being promoted to the Premier League only 3 years ago.
Leeds United – Premier League Relegation to the Championship
Club Statement
— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 28, 2023
In July of 2020, Leeds United were promoted to the Premier League after West Bromwich lost to Huddersfield Town. But that wasn’t where the surprises stopped. United came into the top league with a vengeance and a chip on their shoulder. They finished the 2020-2021 season in the top half of the table, showing Premier League fans around the world what a Championship side can do.
However, the next year didn’t see the same passion and fire as the inaugural season back in the top flight of English football. Bielsa, the manager, was sacked. Jesse Marsch took over a struggling Leeds side to help them narrowly avoid relegation back to the Championship on the final day of the season.
Even with his heroic save, Marsch was then fired by the club in the beginning of 2023. Javi Gracia was the interim manager for a measly two months, followed by Sam Allardyce, one of the most highly-lauded coaches in the game.
Despite a fantastic reputation, even Allardyce couldn’t save the struggling team from relegation back to the Championship on the final day of the 2023 season.
Leeds United Possible Premier League Promotion
Now that Leeds United are currently sitting in the top three in the Championship, many fans are waiting for their impending promotion back to the Prem. However, a lackluster couple of few games are not promising for the die-hard fans.
Leeds have taken zero points from the last two matches, creating a worrying feeling around the club. But, other teams are faltering towards the end of the season, too.
Southampton has had a few shocking results this year, but they have a game in hand against Leeds. Leicester need to win against Southampton to stay at the top of the table. Ipswich failed to bypass Leicester in the title race contention last week.
The promotion battle is tense in the Championship. Many fans and pundits have a much lower prediction of United being promoted based on their last few results. It looks as though Leicester City might have the upper hand.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
