Leeds United will remain in the Championship for another season after The Whites were beaten by Southampton at Wembley and Chris Sutton gave his brutal verdict on Leeds’ performance.
Adam Armstrong’s 24th goal of the season proved to be enough for The Saints to secure a place in next season’s Premier League, with Russell Martin’s side proving to be defensively excellent on the day.
Leeds started well but could not take advantage of their early momentum and Southampton grew into the game before scoring, with Will Smallbone threading through a lovely pass into striker Armstrong.
But it was Ethan Ampadu’s mistake as he stepped out of the defensive line, earning criticism from Troy Deeney. Leeds pushed, but could not crack a sturdy Southampton rearguard and it finished in a 1-0 loss.
That is even with Dan James crashing a shot against the bar. Speaking on BBC’s 606 after the game, outspoken pundit Sutton gave his verdict and he was unequivocal in his criticism of Leeds on the day.
Sutton blasts Leeds after defeat to Southampton at Wembley
It was the kind of performance that Leeds fans have seen before. Dominating possession but being caught on the break and the unable to get themselves back on terms, against a low defensive block.
Sunderland away, Rotherham away, Huddersfield away and many more examples saw Leeds dominate without winning as a low block thwarted Farke’s system. Sutton criticised the Leeds performance.
He told 606 (26/05, 6.25PM): “Leeds is a massive club. Hand on heart, I would love to see Leeds back in the Premier League, but they did not lay a glove on Southampton. Absolutely shocking, Leeds United.”
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Leeds accrued 90 points and have become the first Championship side that were not promoted to the Premier League with such a tally. Home and away wins too, over both Leicester City and Ipswich Town.
In any other season, Leeds would have been automatically promoted but given how crazy it is that the top four got as many points as they did, The Whites were forced into the play-offs an ultimately, defeat.