Leeds United picked up a valuable point from their trip to Everton on Monday night, drawing 1-1 and extending their advantage over the relegation zone to six points.
The latest round of Premier League fixtures has caused movement at both ends of the table. Victories for West Ham and Nottingham Forest have reignited the relegation battle, although Leeds still retain a healthy cushion at this stage of the campaign.
At the top, Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester United has added fresh intrigue to the title race, with Manchester City now closing to within four points of the league leaders. The Gunners will take on Leeds next weekend at Elland Road.
West Ham are hoping to get Leeds involved in the relegation scrap again towards the end of the season. However, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink feels Leeds are in a good position when it comes to Premier League survival.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink issues his relegation verdict for Leeds
The former Leeds striker believes Daniel Farke’s men are in a good position to avoid relegation at this stage of the season, and he is feeling positive about the Whites.
He conceded that there is still time for things to change. However, he doesn’t believe West Ham are going to catch up with Leeds, as things stand.
Hasselbaink stressed that Leeds are playing well, showing great character and togetherness in the squad. He is confident that they will keep picking up points to stay up this season.
The former Leeds striker said on Sky Sports News: “Yeah, I think so [Leeds will stay up], it’s six points.
“There’s still 15 matches to go, but that’s a lot to catch up for West Ham.
“I have to stay confident. I think how they are playing, the energy that they’re showing, the togetherness that they’re showing, I think if they keep on going like that, they will pick up points.”
Leeds are still in a solid position
Leeds were under some pressure going into the Everton game on Monday night due to West Ham and Nottingham Forest’s results over the weekend.
Farke is disappointed that his team didn’t win. However, it is important that Leeds managed to avoid a defeat and walked away from Merseyside with a point in their bag.
| Pos | Club | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Crystal Palace | 23 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 24 | 28 | -4 | 28 |
| 16 | Leeds United | 23 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 31 | 38 | -7 | 26 |
| 17 | Nottingham Forest | 23 | 7 | 4 | 12 | 23 | 34 | -11 | 25 |
| 18 | West Ham | 23 | 5 | 5 | 13 | 27 | 45 | -18 | 20 |
| 19 | Burnley | 23 | 3 | 6 | 14 | 25 | 44 | -19 | 15 |
| 20 | Wolves | 23 | 1 | 5 | 17 | 15 | 43 | -28 | 8 |
They are still maintaining a six-point gap over the Hammers, who will have to keep winning to put pressure on teams outside the relegation zone.
Leeds have a tough game against Arsenal at home next weekend. However, even the Gunners are under pressure after losing to Manchester United on Sunday.
West Ham’s two wins are shrouding the fact that a six-point gap is still very healthy, and Leeds should be pleased about where they are with 15 games left in the season.
