Leeds could be safe next Sunday if Arsenal win at West Ham | OneFootball

Leeds United could secure mathematical safety as early as next Sunday, helped by Arsenal’s trip to West Ham, after a timely weekend boost.

Friday’s 3-1 defeat of Burnley put Farke’s side nine points clear of third-bottom Tottenham, albeit with Spurs having four matches left to Leeds’ three. As reported by yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Leeds visit Spurs next Monday.

The bigger shift came with fourth-bottom West Ham’s 3-0 reverse at Brentford, which left them seven adrift with three to play. The Irons host title-chasing Arsenal next Sunday afternoon and, unless Manchester City drop points at Everton on Monday, Arsenal must win to keep control of the title race. An Arsenal victory would make Leeds mathematically safe with three games left.

Given West Ham’s minus 19 goal difference, even a draw would all but secure safety, since they would need to beat Newcastle and Leeds and overturn a 14-goal swing.

Tottenham play at Aston Villa on Sunday. A Spurs win would cut the gap to six, defeat would keep it at nine with three to play. Their goal difference is already five worse than Leeds and would worsen again with any loss, yet that alone would still not confirm safety.

If Spurs lose at Villa, they would then need to beat Leeds, Chelsea and Everton to stand any chance of finishing above the Whites, even if Leeds do not add another point.

It would feel like Leeds were virtually safe should Villa win, but next Sunday afternoon remains the first opportunity for definitive confirmation.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk