Former Arsenal player Paul Merson.
(Credit: Imago)
Leeds United were left feeling aggrieved after a tight 1–0 loss to Manchester City at Elland Road on Saturday night in a game that had it’s fair share of controversy.
For much of the first half, Leeds were on top. They pressed with intensity, carved out the better chances and looked the more dangerous side, yet couldn’t find the breakthrough their performance deserved. That failure to take advantage proved costly when City winger Antoine Semenyo struck late in the half to put the visitors ahead.
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The evening, though, will be remembered as much for the controversy as the result. Leeds were adamant they should have had a penalty for handball, but their appeals were waved away, much to the fury of players and supporters alike. After the final whistle, manager Daniel Farke was sent off for his protests towards referee Peter Bankes, rounding off what was a deeply frustrating night for the hosts.
However, West Ham’s 5-2 defeat at West Ham meant that Leeds still have a six-point buffer over teams in the relegation zone with 10 games left in the season.
Paul Merson mentions Leeds United in the relegation conversation
The former Arsenal defender was looking at Tottenham’s poor run of form, their upcoming run of fixtures and the players they are missing due to injuries.
He conceded that things look scary for Tottenham as they continue to push downwards towards the relegation zone.
Merson insisted that teams who will remain safe at the end of the season are the ones who will pull out that one unexpected result, and included Leeds in that conversation.
He admitted that at the moment, he doesn’t see Spurs getting that big result needed to pull away from the drop zone.
Merson said on Sky Sports: “That is scary, looking at that.
“I know that they won the Europa League last season, but for me, they need a result.
“The team that stays safe this season will be the team that gets the result where you say, ‘I did not see them winning that’.
“Whether it be West Ham or Leeds or Forest or Tottenham, they need that result.
“The last team I expect to get that result is Tottenham.”
The Whites don’t look like a team going down
Leeds United’s reaction to Saturday night says everything about their progress this season. The fact that they walked away from Elland Road disappointed after losing to Manchester City shows just how far they have come.
Man City needed a late goal to edge past Leeds in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign, and on this occasion, the Whites looked worthy of at least a point. It was another performance that underlined their growth.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have all found Leeds a difficult proposition this season, while they were unfortunate not to take maximum points against Aston Villa in the Midlands last weekend.
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Only Arsenal have managed to beat Leeds comfortably twice this term. Every other top side has been given a real test by the Yorkshire outfit.
Leeds are not mathematically safe just yet, but they certainly do not look like a team destined for relegation in the months ahead.