Alan Shearer on Match on the Day with Daniel Farke in circle
(Credit: Match of the Day and Imago)
Jack Dawson
Sun 24 August 2025 8:40, UK
Leeds United had their survival hopes take a massive hit on Saturday as they were demolished 5-0 against Arsenal.
Going into the match, it was no doubt a big ask for the Peacocks to get anything from the game. However, the West Yorkshire side were nowhere near good enough.
Multiple Leeds players were extremely poor against Arsenal as they were absolutely battered.
Many pundits were quick to criticise Leeds, with Jamie Redknapp left unimpressed.
Now, Alan Shearer has given his take on the West Yorkshire side after the heavy defeat.
Daniel Farke looking stressed as Leeds boss
Daniel Farke was unable to stop the floodgates from opening against Arsenal (Credit: Imago)
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Alan Shearer: Leeds’ home form is key to survival
The 5-0 defeat to Arsenal will no doubt come as a bit of a shock to Leeds fans.
While a victory wasn’t expected at the Emirates, the result is in high contrast to their Premier League opening match.
Leeds beat Everton 1-0 at Elland Road on Monday, with the Peacocks dominating for the majority of the match.
Leeds have picked up three points in their first two matches
Farke is looking to become the first promoted team to survive the drop in three years
Leeds have been tipped to be relegated this season by many
Now, on Match of the Day on 24 August, Shearer explained that the defeat to Arsenal won’t determine their survival chances; instead, that will be their home form.
He said: “That performance from Leeds today won’t determine if they stay up. Their home form, like Burnley’s and Sunderland’s, because of the atmosphere that those stadiums generate.
“That is going to be key whether they stay up or not.”
Elland Road
Elland Road could prove to make the different for Leeds (Credit: Imago)
How important is home form in a relegation battle?
Looking at the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, home form proved to be crucial in the battle for survival.
Ipswich’s and Southampton’s awful record at home all but ensured their relegation, with the two sides only getting one win each.
Leicester were significantly better at their ground, with 15 points won, this is still five points worse than West Ham, the next best side.
Home record of the bottom five in the 2024/25 campaign Team Wins Draws Losses Points
16th Wolves 6 3 10 21
17th Tottenham 6 3 10 21
18th Leicester 4 3 12 15
19th Ipswich Town 1 4 14 7
20th Southampton 1 3 15 6
Wolves’ and Spurs’ home form proved to be crucial to their survival
While these extra five points wouldn’t have kept the Foxes up, it would have taken the relegation battle to the final few matches.
In comparison, if Ipswich matched or even better their away form at their ground, they would have also been in a position to survive going into the final games.
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