The race for automatic promotion from the Championship this season took another surprising twist on the weekend as all three clubs – Leeds United, Leicester City and Ipswich Town – failed to win matches.
Leicester’s 1-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle on Friday night opened the door for Leeds to go top of the table against Blackburn. Daniel Farke’s men huffed and puffed, without knocking Blackburn’s door down.
Of course, Sammie Szmodics turned up, finishing well past Illan Meslier inside the last 10 minutes to win the game. A huge blow and another missed opportunity for this Leeds side, limping over the final hurdle.
Luckily, Luke Ayling was on hand to lay on his fifth assist for Middlesbrough since his move to Michael Carrick’s side to save a point in their clash against Ipswich – at least, reducing Ipswich to just a point.
Kieran McKenna comments on Leeds and Ipswich differences
The results leave Leeds in third place in the Championship table on 87 points, Leicester a point ahead on 88 but having played a game less than Leeds and Ipswich – and the latter, leading the way on 89 points.
Speaking after his side’s draw against Carrick’s in-form Boro – a side that also includes Sam Greenwood – McKenna was quoted by the Evening Post as identifying a difference between us, and his Ipswich side.
“I don’t know. We’re coming from such a different place. If you asked me who’s under more pressure, I’m pretty sure everyone would agree it’s not us; where we’re coming from, how this group’s performed.
“I don’t feel any pressure. I think it was a really good game in isolation. I can’t speak for them (the other challengers). I can imagine their mindset and environment is possibly a little bit different than ours.”
Our last three games analysed – do Leeds get promoted?
With so few games to play, Leeds are no longer relying on just our own results to go up without the play-offs. Three tricky games are up next for up – starting with a trip to Middlesbrough, a Monday night game.
QPR has proved to be a bit of a tricky place to go for Leeds in recent season and this could be another example. Then, the final day of the season, welcoming Southampton to Elland Road. Absolutely massive.
If Leeds are going to get themselves into the top two, realistically, the Whites need maximum points from the remaining games. You cannot expect Ipswich and Leicester to continue to slip up as they have done.
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