Heartbreak and history, the 10 matches that defined Leeds United’s season | OneFootball

Leeds United’s season swung from gloom to renewal, defined by 10 matches that mapped a hard-earned escape.

According to Leeds Live, they finished 14th, eight points clear, safe with three games left. It began 1-0 over Everton, Lukas Nmecha’s penalty settled it, then 1-2 to Aston Villa left Leeds in the drop zone after five in six, with reports Farke had two games to save his job.

The hinge came at Man City, a half-time switch to a back three sparking a rally from 2-0 down before a 3-2 stoppage-time loss, so assertive that Gianluigi Donnarumma called a tactical time out. Days later Chelsea were beaten 3-1, Ao Tanaka thundering in.

On New Year’s Day a 0-0 at Liverpool showed resilience. Then Newcastle 4-3 Leeds, two stoppage-time concessions the nadir yet proof they could compete. It was Lucas Perri’s final league start after Farke was scathing about his role in the winner.

West Ham 2-2 Leeds, 2-4 on penalties, delivered a first FA Cup quarter-final win in 39 years, Perri saving two before Pascal Struijk clipped the decider. At Old Trafford, Noah Okafor’s brace sealed Man Utd 1-2 Leeds, a first league win there in 45 years, and several players felt it confirmed they would stay up.

Chelsea 1-0 Leeds in the FA Cup semi-final belonged to the travelling support, a first semi in nearly four decades. Lastly, West Ham 0-1 Arsenal made Leeds’ position certain as the squad travelled for Tottenham, watching VAR drama then celebrating on the coach.

Source: Leeds Live