LONDON: Leeds United virtually secured their Premier League status for next season with a commanding 3-1 victory over already-relegated Burnley on Friday evening. Goals from Anton Stach, Noah Okafor, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin propelled Daniel Farke's side nine points clear of the relegation zone, with only four matches remaining for the teams below them.
The triumph came after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at Wembley last weekend, which ended Leeds' hopes of reaching their first FA Cup final since 1973. However, they have now climbed to 14th place in an impressive first season back in the top flight, bucking the trend of promoted teams dropping straight back into the Championship alongside Sunderland.
"The three points are massive for us," Farke said. "The job is not done yet. We will celebrate properly when it's mathematically confirmed. But 43 points is good." Staying up would also be a significant achievement for Farke, who has faced criticism at the Premier League level after failing to keep Norwich City in the top flight during two previous stints. "Of course, it was a massive step for us tonight," he added. "To deliver 10 points out of the last four games in a nervy period, as a newly-promoted side, is second to none."
Burnley's Struggles Continue
Burnley, who narrowly missed out on the Championship title to Leeds on goal difference last season, have found the step up far more challenging. They have been relegated for the third time in as many Premier League seasons. The club parted ways with manager Scott Parker on Thursday, despite his exceptional record of achieving promotion from the Championship with three different clubs.
The difference in stakes was evident from the opening stages as Leeds started strongly. Stach fired the home side ahead after just eight minutes, with Martin Dubravka slow to react to the German's low drive. Leeds dominated the remainder of the first half but had to wait until after the break to seal the points with a two-goal burst in four minutes.
A brilliant move was finished off by Okafor after Calvert-Lewin's backheel picked out Jayden Bogle. The Swiss forward has now scored six goals in his last seven league games, proving crucial in Leeds' relegation battle. However, it was Calvert-Lewin's goals that kept the team afloat earlier in the campaign. The England striker prodded home his 13th goal of the season from close range after Dubravka could only parry Ao Tanaka's strike.
Burnley salvaged some pride in Mike Jackson's first match as interim manager when Loum Tchaouna blasted in a late consolation goal.
