Leeds United will remain in the Championship for another season after being defeated by Southampton at Wembley Stadium, with Chris Sutton delivering a harsh assessment of Leeds’ performance.
Adam Armstrong’s 24th goal of the season was enough to guarantee The Saints’ position in the Premier League next season, with Russell Martin’s team proving defensively outstanding on the day.
Leeds started strongly but were unable to capitalise on their early advantage, and Southampton gradually gained control of the game before scoring, with Will Smallbone threading a superb pass into attacker Armstrong.
But it was Ethan Ampadu’s blunder to step out of the defensive line, which drew condemnation from Troy Deeney. Leeds pushed but couldn’t break through a strong Southampton defense, resulting in a 1-0 loss.
That is despite Dan James slamming a shot on the bar. Speaking on BBC’s 606 after the game, outspoken pundit Sutton delivered his assessment, and he was emphatic in his criticism of Leeds’ performance.
Sutton blasts Leeds after losing to Southampton at Wembley.
It was the type of display that Leeds fans have witnessed before. Dominating possession yet being caught off guard and unable to regain control against a low defensive block.
Leeds dominated without winning at Sunderland, Rotherham, Huddersfield, and many other venues, thanks to a low block that defied Farke’s strategy. Sutton blasted Leeds’ performance.
He said 606 (26/05/6:25PM): “Leeds is a great club. Hand on heart, I’d like to see Leeds return to the Premier League, but they didn’t beat Southampton. Absolutely awful, Leeds United.”
Phil Hay shares the 49ers’ perspective on Daniel Farke following defeat.
following the loss, many Leeds fans took to social media to demand Farke’s resignation, but Phil Hay reports that the 49ers appear to be sticking with the German following a fairly successful first season.
Leeds now have 90 points, making them the first Championship side not promoted to the Premier League. They also won at home and away against Leicester City and Ipswich Town.
In any other season, Leeds would have been promoted immediately, but given how incredible it is that the top four received as many points as they did, the Whites were forced into the play-offs and ultimately lost.
