West Ham’s hopes of turning their season around and surviving the threat of relegation took a massive hit on Tuesday night, to the delight of those with a Leeds United connection.
Having extended the gap between themselves and West Ham to eight points on the weekend, Leeds were watching on as 17th faced 18th at the London Stadium. West Ham took the lead during the first half.
Crysencio Summerville then thought he had scored only his second West Ham goal with a crunching effort, but VAR ruled it out. Nottingham Forest replied instantly, equalising only a few minutes later.
What is your prediction for Leeds’ trip to St James Park? 🔮
Leeds were the last newly-promoted side to beat Newcastle in 2021
Then, late on and controversially, Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White won and scored a penalty to secure a 2-1 win for Sean Dyche’s side. Forest are now seven ahead of West Ham in 17th, Leeds are eight ahead.
Rob Green played for both Leeds United and West Ham
At this rate, West Ham will only go and achieve 25 points for the entire season. A dismal total, having won just 14 from 21 games so far. Leeds already have a total of 22 points, after winning 11 in seven games.
Speaking to Sky Sports after West Ham suffered a 2-1 loss, Rob Green believes his old side will struggle to reach 30 points. It means Leeds are only three wins away from securing safety in the Premier League.
“Ten games without a win, you’re wondering, where is the answer now? Where do West Ham go now? Where does Nuno go from here? You can’t see things continuing much longer with the results like this.
“They need at least 30 points to have any chance of staying up, and they’re not going to get close at this rate,” former England goalkeeper Green continued, having played for both West Ham and Leeds.
How many more points do Leeds need to survive? 📉
Farke has said a point a game will be enough…
What total should Leeds United be aiming for come May?
Having clocked up 22 points from 20 games, Leeds are on course to achieve 42 points this season, if they maintain their current rate. A total of 42 would have seen Leeds sit level with Man United last term.
Wolves too, who finished 15th and 16th. At the start of the season, and certainly, in the midst of the six losses in seven run, Leeds fans and Farke would have jumped at the chance to finish in 15th or 16th.
They still would. This season is all about survival and consolidation. Remaining on the point-a-game line, as Farke continually says, is crucial. Leeds will do well to maintain their unbeaten run at Newcastle next.
Anything in the mid-thirties looks as if, as things stand, will be enough to survive in the Premier League. But Farke will be aiming for a point a game, a total of 38 and perhaps even beyond that come May.
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