Leeds United returned home from London yesterday with as many points as what most people will have expected after being beaten by Arsenal. However, the nature of the 5-0 defeat has in the minds of some, brought concern regarding the squad's ability to survive in the Premier League this season.
It is the type of reaction you would expect to see following a five goal defeat, but Saturday evening was a loss which shouldn't alarm Leeds supporters, according to Alan Shearer. The Premier League record goal scorer and Match of the Day pundit was not too concerned about the scoreline at the Emirates Stadium.
Having already picked up a win at home to Everton in the opening matchday of the season, Leeds are up and running this campaign in the league and sit outside of the danger zone in mid table. With Newcastle United next up on Saturday evening, it is how Leeds fare against Eddie Howe's team and the subsequent visitors to Elland Road which Shearer says is the issue the Whites need to focus on.
He said: “That performance from Leeds (at Arsenal) 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.”
Home form was key in the relegation race last season. Southampton and Ipswich Town won just one home game each all season, while Leicester City managed four victories at home. Tottenham Hotspur, who finished in 17th position, won six matches at home, surviving by six points, the difference being the extra two wins they had at home.
However, it is worth noting that when Leeds last survive in the Premier League in the 2021/22 season they won more away matches than they did home games at Elland Road.
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