Leeds United manager Daniel Farke, Alan Shearer in a circular insert.
Leeds United’s battle against relegation took another twist as West Ham United secured an important win over Burnley to keep the relegation battle tight.
Leeds’ crucial 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest on Friday night was a massive statement, moving the Whites nine points clear of the drop zone.
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Daniel Farke’s side appeared to have carved out crucial breathing room.
However, events 24 hours later have served as a stark reminder that in the Premier League, momentum can shift with alarming speed.
Alan Shearer signals positivity as key for West Ham’s turnaround
While Leeds fans were still basking in the Elland Road win, West Ham United delivered a performance of their own at Turf Moor. A 2-0 victory over doomed Burnley, marked by a first clean sheet since August, signalled a potential awakening.
For Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer, it represented a fundamental change in the survival battle.
“I think there’s been a huge shift in attitude,” Shearer stated, reflecting on the Hammers. “A month ago, I thought they were gone. I thought there was no coming back from that performance and result against Wolves, but I think after that, in terms of how positive they’ve been… they played on the front foot… it was another big win for Nuno and West Ham.”
West Ham’s nine points from their last four games have dragged them back into contention, turning a once-comfortable gap for teams like Leeds into a tense three-way tussle with Forest.
Yet, not all pundits share the view that Leeds should be looking over their shoulders with panic. Former England midfielder Danny Murphy, also speaking on Match of the Day, placed Farke’s men in a category of their own.
“Leeds, for me, are the ones who will be safe given the way they have played in the last two or three months. They have some really nice momentum. And we all know about the Elland Road factor, which is huge,” stated Murphy.
Murphy believes the direct fight is elsewhere. “So, I think it’s between Forest, Palace and West Ham. It is going to be so tight. I really think it’s going to go down to the wire.”
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Data suggest Leeds will be fine come May
Although West Ham’s result certainly put a damper on the celebrations in the aftermath of the Forest game for Leeds, it is still important to remember there is a six-point gap to the drop zone with 13 games remaining.
Any supporter would have bitten your hand off to be in this position back in the summer, and it is also important to remember how good Farke’s team looked during their demolition of Forest.
According to Opta’s supercomputer, which was updated after the West Ham result, Leeds are still expected to survive comfortably.
Position Team Expected Points
16th Leeds United 44.24
17th Nottingham Forest 41.58
18th West Ham United 36.37
Despite this, it could become a very nervy February for Leeds, with the Whites playing Chelsea, Aston Villa and Manchester City before the end of the month.
If United’s gap is cut down after this run of games, it is important that Farke and Co. stay calm and rally for a big end to the campaign.