The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Tuesday 17th February) Late goals a real problem for Leeds
Good Morning. It's Tuesday 17th February, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road…
Late goals becoming a real problem
Another game chalked up under the belt, but once again it was overshadowed by that all-too-familiar sinking feeling as the clock ticked into injury time. Leeds somehow found a way to make things harder than they needed to be at the weekend, conceding yet another late goal. And truth be told, it could have been far worse. Birmingham somehow managed to miss a gaping net with literally the final kick of the game, a moment that had hearts in mouths across the away end. It brought back memories of just last week, when Cole Palmer skied his effort from barely two yards out in the dying seconds against Chelsea; it's becoming a recurring theme! Leeds have been on the wrong end of the scoreboard on or after the 90th minute on ten separate occasions so far this season:
- Arsenal (away) – Gyokeres, 94 min
Fulham (away) – Gudmundsson OG, 94 min
Bournemouth (home) – Kroupi, 92 min
West Ham (home) – Fernandes, 91 min
Nottingham Forest – Anderson, 91 min
Manchester City (home) – Foden, 91 min
Crystal Palace (home) – Devenny, 91 min
Newcastle (away) – Guimaraes, 91 min
Newcastle (away) – Barnes, 101 min
Birmingham City (away) – Roberts, 90 min
There’s a story hidden in those numbers. Whether it’s a lapse in concentration as the clock ticks, fatigue that sets in when the squad’s depth is stretched, or a stubborn refusal to “park the bus” to see the game out; something is clearly amiss. The consequence is more than just a few points – it’s the psychological weight of knowing any match can be snatched away at any moment. Leeds sit just six points above the drop zone, surrounded by clubs that, on paper, look significantly stronger than them (Spurs, Forest and West Ham). With all three teams strengthening significantly in January, but it remains to be seen whether it make a difference to their survival hopes?
Points needed for survival
With just 12 league games left of the 25/26 Premier League season, the relegation picture is starting to come into focus, but there’s plenty of drama left to unfold. It’s fair to say that Wolves and Burnley look destined for Championship football next season. Both have struggled for consistency all year, and neither has shown enough spark to suggest a late escape act is on the cards. That leaves one final relegation spot, and for most of the season it’s had West Ham United’s name written all over it.
The Hammers have flirted with danger since August, often looking short on confidence and ideas. However, football seasons have a habit of turning when you least expect it. A £50m winter recruitment drive injected fresh legs, competition, and belief into Nino Espírito Santo’s squad, and the impact has been immediate. Ten points from their last five games represents a serious shift in momentum, with survival a real possibility if they can keep going; but at who's expense? We look at the relegation candidates, and their final twelve games of the season: