Former Premier League midfielder Robbie Mustoe believes Leeds United could be in for a long winter after they suffered a damaging defeat against Burnley.
Leeds were made to rue their missed chances on their visit to Turf Moor, as Burnley were ruthlessly efficient in front of goal in their 2-0 win.
The defeat means Leeds boss Daniel Farke may be tempted to make changes to his side, with Jaka Bijol and Lucas Perri both in line to be picked.
Farke has now fallen behind predecessor Jesse Marsch’s points total after eight games in the 2022/23 season, the last time Leeds were relegated from the Premier League.
Leeds’ failure to pick up points is cause for concern for Mustoe, who believes that the Whites appear to be drifting in their survival campaign ahead of their crucial game against West Ham.
Daniel Farke tells Ao Tanaka to applaud the Leeds fans.
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Robbie Mustoe voices Leeds United concern
Speaking on the Two Robbies Podcast for NBC Sports, Mustoe explained why he believes Leeds could be in for a long winter after their latest defeat.
According to Mustoe, both Leeds and Burnley have a lot of points to make up to get to a competitive points total, which could be as high as 38 points this season, with several teams in the mix for relegation from the Premier League.
Mustoe said: “It’s a huge win [for Burnley], isn’t it? Because they were not in great form, and Leeds were. And all of a sudden it’s brought Leeds back into the, you know, 15th with eight points now. It looks a bit different for them. Burnley are now just a point behind them on seven.
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“It could look like a long winter if they can’t get a couple of results. As it always happens, the promoted teams, obviously, Sunderland right now are flying high, but Leeds are kind of drifting lower.
“I always think of the number of points that you need has gone down a little bit, but even if it’s 35, 36, 37, 38 points, you know, Burnley got seven and Leeds have got eight.
“It’s a lot of points to get, you know, over the winter that’s coming up. I remember Rob going into the winter; you don’t have big squads often at the lower teams. It’s a grind of games; it gets colder. It’s hard to pick up those points. They’re going to be in for a long winter, but roll the sleeves up.”
Sean Longstaff reacts during Burnley v Leeds United - Premier League
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Which team had the lowest points after eight games and stayed in the Premier League?
Although Farke will be concerned that his side is now three games without a win, having fallen to consecutive defeats, there are still reasons to be cheerful.
Leeds’ eight points from eight games is far from the lowest points total at this stage of the season to avoid relegation.
Year Team Points Total after 8 games Final League Position
1998/99 Southampton 1 17th
2013/14 Sunderland 1 14th
2024/25 Wolves 1 16th
Three teams have managed to avoid relegation with just one point after their first eight games, using the historic data from the Premier League website, with Southampton in 1998/99, Sunderland in 2013/14 and Wolves last season managing to avoid the drop.
Southampton went on to finish 17th, Sunderland climbed up to 14th, and Wolves finished 16th in a cause for optimism for Farke, despite the gloom around Elland Road after the Burnley defeat.