The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 18th March) Will 42 point survival record be broken this season
Good Morning. It's Wednesday 18th March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Will 42 point survival record be broken this season
It’s been fifteen seasons since an 18th‑placed Premier League side has managed to haul in more than 29 points, after 30 games (West Ham's current tally). In fact, the Hammers have already amassed more points than every relegated club from the last two campaigns, making the 25/26 season even more of a nail bitter, especially if you're a Whites fan!
Let's face it, Leeds never do it the easy route. They had to navigate the 100 point barrier last season to guarantee going up as Champions, and then, only managed it on goal difference. This time around, they face a very different kind of challenge; at the wrong end of the top flight table, yet face a similarly massive task, if they are to reach their goal of survival.
In their last ten games, West Ham have collected 15 points, outstripping Leeds by five points and a +5 goal‑difference. Nottingham Forest have picked up 11 points, just a point (and a better goal difference of three) more than Farke's men, whilst Spurs recent form has been nothing short of a disaster, picking up just three draws and seven losses from their last ten games. In-fact Tottenham have not won a league game this year.
Social media is buzzing about the “magic number” that will guarantee safety this season! Daniel Farke was set the task of achieving a 38‑point haul in pre-season, a target that is within their gasp, but will it be enough? In 2002-03 West Ham were relegated on 42 points, setting a Premier league record. It would be very Leedsy is a similar target would ned to be reached to guarantee survival this time around.
Keith Hackett - Canvot's behaviour was 'unacceptable
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has branded Crystal Palace’s Jaydee Canvot's behaviour following Gabriel Gudmundsson’s red card as 'unacceptable'. Hackett, one of the most prominent senior referees in English football, officiating at the highest domestic and international levels for over two decades was quick to point out just how "ridiculous" the display appeared.
Canvot’s behaviour breaks the unwritten code of professional courtesy that usually exists even in the high-stakes environment of the top flight. While the Premier League is famously competitive, Hackett’s critique highlights a growing concern over sportsmanship; by cheering for a fellow professional’s misfortune, Canvot bought shame on Crystal Palace football club. As Hackett suggested, someone at Palace needs to have a quiet word with the youngster, because while winning is the goal, maintaining a bit of class while doing it is what keeps the game from looking petty.
I just think it’s unacceptable. Competition in Premier League games? Don’t worry about that. Things are part and parcel of the game. But celebrating a fellow professional getting a red card in this way, someone needs to whisper in his ear, ‘It just doesn’t look good’. It was unacceptable.