Tony Adams concerned about Leeds, makes relegation claim

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Tony Adams has told Stadium Astro that he is concerned Leeds United could suffer relegation from the Premier League – and has predicted that the Whites will enter a relegation dogfight, if they fail to get enough points by February or March.

Leeds failed to nab their fourth Premier League win of the season on Sunday evening, despite dominating proceedings and more than matching Arsenal. The Gunners did go down to 10 men early in the second half, with Nicolas Pepe seeing red.

Raphinha hit the post in injury time, while Rodrigo and Patrick Bamford also saw efforts strike the wood work. It sees Leeds sit in 14th place with 11 points from nine games – though they are ahead of their fellow promoted sides West Brom and Fulham.

Arsenal legend Adams, though, is worried for Marcelo Bielsa’s side due to the Argentine’s style of play. He feels the high intensity means they need to get points on the board by February or March, as they will tail off towards the summer.

“I’m a little bit worried,” Adams said. “They definitely need to be out of the bottom three and have points on the board by the time February and March comes around. They play at such a high tempo, they need points early on.

“He’s going to be kicking himself that Leeds didn’t take all three points while they’re still fresh, they have to create so many chances to convert it. I am worried. He can’t change this style now, he needs to persevere. But get the points before fatigue.

“They don’t want to be in a dodfight at the end of the season, they will be tired.”

TBR’s view – Adams could be right

Many feel the only reason Leeds did not burn out last season – like they did in 2018-19 under Bielsa – is because lockdown allowed the Leeds players to recover. This season, they will have to right through.

However, the depth is better than ever at Elland Road. Rodrigo, Raphinha, Robin Koch and Diego Llorente have all been brought in, while the Under-23 side is stronger than it ever has been. If the first-team stars tire, Leeds have replacements.