October 31, (THEWILL) – After taking their return to the English Premier League by storm last season, Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds turned up a scoring run that helped them to an impressive ninth-place finish. However, questions about the ability of the Elland Road side to replicate that form for another season have dogged their poor showing so far.
A -7 goal difference after 10 games is a far cry from the output that saw Leeds score more goals in the league (62) than the UEFA Champions League winners Chelsea managed overall (58).
Their 2021/2022 season has been a different kettle of fish. Before Sunday, Bielsa’s charges had managed to snag only one win in nine matches, a 1-0 triumph over EPL new boys Watford in early October. It was an output that left them deep in the drop zone.
To give themselves a chance at redemption, Sunday’s tie against fellow strugglers Norwich was of extreme importance. The all-important three points were non-negotiable for their season before it devolved beyond saving.
That was why their 2-1 win away at Carrow Road to earn their second Premier League victory of the season was so important. As frantic and error-filled as the first half was, both teams battled to find their groove, which was only a pointer to why they have relegation red flags around them.
For Leeds, Daniel James’ shot was cleared off the line, while Teemu Pukki’s shot went barely wide at the opposite end.
With three goals in four minutes in the second half, the game came alive. Andrew Omobamidele’s header cancelled out Raphinha’s great individual goal, then a Rodrigo shot slid through Tim Krul’s hands to restore Leeds’ lead.
The home loss meant that Norwich remained at the bottom of the standings with only two draws to boast of after 10 matchdays. On the other hand, Leeds have climbed out of the relegation zone to 17th position, barely keeping their heads above water.
The second year drop to relegation is a common feature of the EPL. It has played out countless times over the years. Bielsa’s club has struggled so far this season after impressing everyone with their daring style from last season to the point of seeing them as victims of their first year performance.
Their second win in the current campaign on Sunday was enough to take them above Burnley and out of the relegation zone. Yet, some tough games are ahead in November, starting with a home game against Leicester on Saturday and followed by trips to Spurs and Brighton before hosting Crystal Palace.
Their star man Patrick Bamford should have returned by then to help an attack that scored 62 goals last season but has only scored ten goals in ten games this season.
It will be crucial for them to reclaim their scoring touch from 2020/2021 if they are to escape the relegation zone. And, Bielsa has his work cut out for him in bringing that about.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
