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  1. 'Apart from my son's birth, this was the greatest moment in my life'published at 12:09 GMT

    Your Leeds United opinions banner
    Mark Viduka of Leeds gets past Sami Hyypia of Liverpool during the match between Leeds United and Liverpool Image source, Getty Images

    We asked for your memories of 4 November, 2000 - the day Mark Viduka scored all four Leeds goals in a 4-3 win over Liverpool.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Andy: I remember the game very well, even though I didn't watch it live! I was away in Arizona for a work meeting and decided to stay on over the weekend to explore. I was driving through Saguaro National Park in a hired convertible listening to the game on the World Service. Couldn't believe what I was hearing! It was an absolutely fabulous day!

    Andrew: This game holds a very special place in my heart, not just because of Viduka's four-goal heroics but also because it was the first ever football match I took my son to, aged six. "That was great, Dad," he said at the end of the match. "The shooter man for Leeds is really really good !" I couldn't have put it better myself! Thanks for an awesome memory, Mark Viduka!

    Eamonn: I'd invited a friend and his grandson over from Norway to that game. At half-time I apologised to them for our sad performance. As the game went on and Viduka hit the back of the net, with each touch the guests became more and more excited. At the end, the grandson was dancing and his grandad was taking their once-in-a-lifetime experience bubbling back to Norway. I sent them the match video as a souvenir. Another couple of Leeds fans confirmed in Porsgrunn. Wonderful day!

    Brian: Apart from my son's birth, this was the greatest moment in my life. Mark Viduka scoring four goals against Liverpool was just amazing.

    Matthew: I was at the game and it was really quite remarkable - the atmosphere and the comeback. After 10 minutes I thought Liverpool were going to get a cricket score, but it was one of the best ever performances I've seen live.

  2. 'One of the best displays I've ever seen by a centre forward'published at 10:45 GMT

    BBC Radio Leeds commentator Adam Pope byline banner
    Mark Viduka of Leeds competes against Markus Babbel of LiverpoolImage source, Getty Images

    That 4-3 victory 25 years ago today was incredible.

    I remember going with clients when I worked at TEAMtalk on a bitterly cold November Saturday. It looked all over for Leeds as Liverpool went 2-0 up but Mark Viduka took centre stage as if he was an emperor. His physicality combined with deftness of touch and lethal finishing provided one of the best display I've ever seen by a centre forward in a single game.

    I have since interviewed Andrew Varley, who is the photographer responsible for the iconic picture of Viduka celebrating with the scoreboard saying 4-3 in the background. It was a moment a hero was captured on film after single-handedly destroying Liverpool who had won five in a row coming into the fixture.

    Their collapse was spectacular but if I'm asked for my stand out Premier League moments then Viduka's display is right up there.

    In terms of working with Viduka, he had left the club before I started covering Leeds United full time but I do recall him not wanting to do an interview after a testimonial match for Cambridge United striker John Taylor in November 2003 when he was brought back into the team by caretaker manager Eddie Gray having fallen out with previous boss Peter Reid.

    That season ended in relegation from the Premier League and I recall being at Bolton Wanderers when Leeds were effectively relegated. Viduka scored a penalty and was then sent off before half time as United went on to lose 4-1. This was a year after his magnificent goal at Arsenal helped Leeds stay in the top flight. He was top drawer and I remember Eddie Gray saying that contrary to many people's perceptions Viduka was "ripped" in terms of his body shape. In the end he was part of the fire sale that saw him go to Middlesbrough as Leeds plummeted towards financial meltdown.

    This is your Leeds United page. Come back for stats, debate, analysis and fan views.

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  3. 'That was iconic' - 25 years on from Viduka's four published at 08:26 GMT

    Dominic Matteo quote graphic with Mark Viduka as an image: "It was only going one way that game apart from Mark. He just turned it himself."

    Mark Viduka found the net four times against Liverpool on this day 25 years ago but the Australian striker proved his biggest critic in the years that followed, explaining it was a day when he wasn't at his best.

    The bustling centre-forward has received widespread plaudits from key names in the years since his playing career ended. Former Leeds and Manchester United striker Alan Smith described his skill as "frightening" for a big man. Former Leeds left-back Ian Harte cites Viduka and Harry Kewell as the best two players he ever played alongside.

    But Viduka's toying with Liverpool in the winter sun was surely his peak moment as he led the Reds' defence a merry dance, dragged Leeds back from 2-0 down and sealed an iconic 4-3 win.

    "That was a huge game for me and also at the time for the club because we were up there, third or fourth and Liverpool just in front of us," Viduka said.

    "We are 2-0 down and Jonathan Woodgate gets taken off with injury. Nobody would have thought of that result in the end. It shows you have to stick to it and keep battling.

    "When I look at myself I am not really a perfectionist at anything except for on the field. When I look at my performance I want to be holding the ball up well, bringing others into the play and obviously scoring gals. In that game, the other things I did average, but I got four chances and put them away."

    Dominic Matteo featured in the Leeds defence on the day and had a simple message for Viduka when the final whistle confirmed their win - "thanks".

    Matteo said: "People at times, and we're talking top defenders, didn't want to get too tight because they knew Viduka could turn them. We saw that in the 4-3 game when he made something out of nothing.

    "I actually said 'thanks' for getting us out of one. It was only going one way that game apart from Mark. He just turned it himself.

    "I am glad he got that. In life you don't get those moments. The worldwide audience, everyone saw that performance. That was iconic for me."

    Send us your memories of the day Viduka hit four

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  4. On this day in 2000: Leeds (and Mark Viduka) 4-3 Liverpoolpublished at 08:23 GMT

    Phil Cartwright
    BBC Sport journalist

    Mark Viduka celebrates a goal for Leeds

    Tuesday is the 25th anniversary of one of the most memorable Premier League matches involving Leeds United - when Mark Viduka scored all four goals in an amazing 4-3 victory against Liverpool at Elland Road.

    Manchester United were still the dominant force of English football at that time, but David O'Leary's Leeds and Gerard Houllier's Liverpool were competing near the top of the table. The previous season, they had finished third and fourth respectively.

    BBC Sport's report of the match on 4 November, 2000, says Australia striker Viduka "single-handedly destroyed Liverpool with a four-goal blast in an encounter of stunning drama" and "delivered a display of almost flawless marksmanship".

    "Every time I had a sniff of goal I scored, but I have actually played better," said Viduka. "These days are very rare, but it was a fantastic win for us."

    Liverpool had gone 2-0 up early on with goals from Sami Hyypia and Christian Ziege, but Viduka scored either side of half-time to level the score.

    Vladimir Smicer restored Liverpool's advantage, before two goals in three minutes from former Celtic forward Viduka secured an incredible win for the hosts.

    "We got lucky, but I always felt we could score against them," said Leeds boss O'Leary. "I loved beating Liverpool as a player - and I like it as a manager."

    Leeds would also win at Anfield to complete a league double later in the season, but Liverpool would eventually pip the Yorkshire club to third spot in the league by one point - earning the Reds a place in the following season's Champions League.

    Leeds line-up v Liverpool in November 2000
    Liverpool line-up v Leeds in November 2000
  5. 🎧 Do Leeds need to approach away games differently?published at 15:36 GMT 3 November

    Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast graphic

    On this week's Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix has been reflecting on a fan's question about Leeds United's approach to away games after defeat by Brighton on Saturday:

    "I thought Leeds were shocked for some reason in the way that Brighton were pressing them and some of the quality on the ball.

    "I think Leeds looked a little bit like after an international break when everyone looks a bit rusty. OK, they played the Friday before so it was a little bit more time, but not million years ago so it did feel they started off a little bit respectful of Brighton.

    "But more than that - and I don't know the answer to this - with Daniel Farke, I don't know if it is different personnel or a different system, but it is about playing home and away slightly differently.

    "At home we are going to try and win some games, or to try and draw some games depending on the opposition, but then away maybe we are trying to play for a draw.

    "I don't mind going to Brighton and trying to get a draw, but against West Ham, in a podcast beforehand we said we need to get out there fast, start with the attacking players and get a goal, get two goals and see it out – which is what we did.

    "But away, if we are going to try and do what I think Farke is doing, which is contain it for as long as possible, then maybe he does need to start Jack Harrison.

    "I think the whole internet might have exploded if he had started with Harrison and then not Brenden Aaronson, but then maybe you are going in there and going and saying for the first x amount of minutes we are just going to sit and defend and defend – but defend better – then we will start being more expansive."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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  6. Brighton 3-0 Leeds - the fans' verdictpublished at 08:01 GMT 3 November

    Your opinions graphic
    Media caption,

    We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Brighton and Leeds United.

    Here are some of your replies:

    Brighton fans

    Stuart: All the stats indicated a typical Dr Brighton result. An early goal helped settle the nerves and ultimately we were never troubled. Leeds were poor and our players stepped up. Ferdi Kadioglu and Yasin Ayari were the stars. Also a big shout to the youngsters on their debuts. It's all very positive for the future.

    Sarah: Fantastic game! With the exception of the 20 minute lull at the beginning and losing possession a bit too easily in midfield, we were strong and functioning as a team again. Danny Welbeck is on a brilliant roll, Diego Gomez got his first Premier League goal in style and sealed it with another corker, plus Yankuba Minteh and Mats Wieffer got assists. I'm really pleased to see Lewis Dunk doing so well again, especially after some suggested he should move over. There's a lot of life in him yet; he is a proper solid defender.

    Dean: Good to see the Albion finish off a team in the bottom half of the league, as this had been a persistent problem for us. Welbeck on a free transfer from Watford has turned out to be a masterstroke.

    Tim: Following from a hotel room in Turkey, it sounded like a far from perfect performance that we should've put to bed by half-time. We march on with three precious points and a spot back in the top half! If we can get Kaoru Mitoma, Jack Hinshelwood, Joel Veltman and Brajan Gruda back from injury, I think we'll be in a great place by this season's halfway point.

    Leeds fans

    Chris: Absolutely useless. They had no fire in their bellies. The front six were at another game. We were too slow in both movement and passing. Daniel Farke has to change his tactics for away games because we are not good enough to defend against quick attacking teams.

    Kenneth: Poorest performance of the season so far, with too many players below par. Some are not good enough for Premier League football, Jayden Bogle and Dominic Calvert-Lewin to name just two. It's really coming back to bite us not buying a proven goalscorer.

    Dave: Farke is living on borrowed time. The tactics and teamsheet were a disgrace. We were very poor.

    Thomas: We have to be realistic and realise that it is so much harder to win games in the Premier League, especially away from home. The formation away from home is obviously not working so maybe a change would help. But, like all teams in Leeds' situation coming up from the Championship, it is a case of avoiding relegation. A long hard season in prospect.

  7. Brighton 3-0 Leeds: What Farke saidpublished at 14:14 GMT 2 November

    Media caption,

    Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has been speaking to Sky Sports about the defeat at Amex Stadium: "Brighton were the better side and deserved to win. You can talk about the 50/50 possession for both teams and about the fact we had more corner kicks, but you have to be honest and say that, out of their possession, they created more chances and were more clinical. For that, they deserved to win.

    "As a team and individually, it was not our best game offensively. We weren't able to create more in an away game where we had a lot of possession. We created more corner kicks and wide area free-kicks, but the quality of the deliveries were not great.

    "It happens sometimes that the attack doesn't have the best of days. It's frustrating. Sometimes it happens that the other side is just better. It was definitely not our day and we have to accept the defeat."

    On facing Nottingham Forest next: "Each and every game delivers an opportunity. There are 38 games and we have to win one point on average each game to stay in this league.

    "We have to prepare ourselves in the best possible way, so that will be what we'll try to do away at Nottingham."

    Did you know?

    • In just 10 Premier League games, Leeds United have already lost more games (5) than they did in the entirety of their 2024-25 Championship title-winning campaign (4 losses in 46 games). They have also shipped 57% of the total goals they did last season (30) already in 2025-26 (17).

  8. No horsing around for Rutterpublished at 13:56 GMT 2 November

    Sam Ashoo
    Final Score reporter

    Media caption,

    A lot of the talk in the build-up to Brighton-Leeds was about Georginio Rutter.

    The forward was a fan favourite at Leeds before joining Brighton for £40m in January 2023 and makes no secret of his affection for his former club. In fact, he even owns a racehorse named BriLee, a nod to both Brighton and Leeds.

    There was, however, no horsing around on Saturday. Rutter played the 10 role perfectly, breaking lines, dropping deep when needed and creating extra space for Danny Welbeck and Diego Gomez. His assist for Gomez's second goal capped off an excellent performance, driving into the box and offering a perfect cutback.

    The Frenchman described the occasion as "special" and it was nice to see many of the 3,000 travelling Leeds fans applaud him after the game.

  9. Analysis: Away struggles continue for Leeds at Brightonpublished at 18:52 GMT 1 November

    Adwaidh Rajan
    BBC Sport journalist

    Daniel Farke, Manager of Leeds United, looks dejected after the team's defeatImage source, Getty Images

    When Leeds United manager Daniel Farke named an unchanged starting line-up against Brighton, he would have hoped for a similar result as the one his side delivered against West Ham last week.

    But the Leeds on display at the Amex on Saturday were a completely different version from the one that emerged winners against the Hammers but it was one that we have seen far too often on their away trips this season.

    While Leeds have only lost once in five matches at Elland Road in the Premier League so far this season, the 3-0 defeat to Brighton were their fourth defeat in five away matches.

    Dominic Calvert-Lewin led the line alongside Noah Okafor and Brenden Aaronson but the former Everton striker cut an isolated figure up front while the supporting cast also failed to make any impact.

    Farke's men registered just two shots on target in five attempts - compared to Brighton's seven on target from 14 - and only generated an expected goals (xG) figure of 0.46.

    Farke would want to make his team tick in away trips sooner rather than later if Leeds are to avoid a relegation scrap this season.

    And a visit to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest, who are five points behind and in the relegation zone, next Sunday would give them an immediate opportunity to make amends.

  10. Brighton v Leeds: Team news published at 14:08 GMT 1 November

    Brighton starting XI: Verbruggen, Dunk, Van Hecke, Wieffer, Rutter, Minteh, Baleba, Wellbeck, Kadioglu, Gomez, Ayari

    Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has made one change to the side that suffered a 4-2 defeat at Manchester United last Saturday.

    Diego Gomez returns to the starting line-up, after being used as a substitute in the past two games, as Maxim De Cuyper drops to the bench.

    Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Dunk, Van Hecke, Wieffer, Rutter, Minteh, Baleba, Wellbeck, Kadioglu, Gomez, Ayari

    Substitutes: Steele, Tzimas, Watson, Kostoulas, Boscagli, De Cuyper, Coppola, Knight, Oriola

    Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has named an unchanged starting line-up following their 2-1 win against West Ham last weekend.

    Dominic Calvert-Lewin leads the line alongside Noah Okafor and Brenden Aaronson while captain Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka and Sean Longstaff make up their midfield

    Leeds XI: Perri, Bogle, Gudmundsson, Ampadu, Rodon, Longstaff, Calvert-Lewin, Aaronson, Bijol, Okafor, Tanaka

    Substitutes: Darlow, Struijk, James, Piroe, Nmecha, Stach, Harrison, Justin, Gruev

    Leeds United starting XI: Perri, Bogle, Gudmundsson, Ampadu, Rodon, Longstaff, Calvert-Lewin, Aaronson, Bijol, Okafor, Tanaka
  11. Follow Saturday's Premier League games livepublished at 13:33 GMT 1 November

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    There are seven games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

    Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

    Follow all of the action and reaction here

    You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Burnley v Arsenal" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Chelsea", for instance.

    Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

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  12. Sutton's predictions: Brighton v Leedspublished at 12:33 GMT 1 November

    Chris Sutton smiling on a yellow and black background with 'Sutton's predictions' written below his face

    Leeds have made a great start and I am pleased for Daniel Farke.

    He took a lot of stick when he was at Norwich, when I kept hearing how he wasn't a Premier League manager, but apart from their heavy defeat at leaders Arsenal, his side have been competitive in all of their games so far.

    I am still going with a Brighton win here, though.

    The Seagulls did not play well when they lost at Manchester United last weekend, then went out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of the Gunners on Wednesday, but they are unbeaten at home so far and I am expecting them to bounce back.

    Sutton's prediction: 2-0

    Read the full predictions and have your say here

  13. Brighton v Leeds: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:03 GMT 31 October

    Jordan Butler
    BBC Sport journalist

    An inconsistent Brighton host promoted Leeds on the south coast this Saturday. BBC Sport explores some of the key themes surrounding this fixture.

    Evergreen Milner to face first side

    Brighton will certainly welcome a return home after a loss at Old Trafford last Saturday and a League Cup defeat at the Emirates on Wednesday.

    Fabian Hurzeler's side are on an eight-match unbeaten run at the Amex Stadium in the top flight, with four wins and four draws.

    They have also kept a clean sheet in their past seven home league games against visitors Leeds, their longest run without conceding against a single opponent in the club's history.

    Brighton's James Milner was born and bred in Leeds and made his top-flight debut for the Elland Road club in November 2002 when he was just 16.

    Now 39, the evergreen utility player is still contributing at the highest level and his assist for 18-year-old Charalampos Kostoulas's goal against Manchester United set two unique Premier League records.

    Not only was it the biggest gap in age between a player setting up a team-mate – a whopping 21 years and 146 days – but it was the first time in Premier League history that a player assisted another after making their debut in the competition before the scorer was born.

    Milner is also nine games away from setting a new Premier League appearance record. If he were to feature on Saturday he would sit just seven matches behind Gareth Barry's total of 653. If he plays at Elland Road in the reverse fixture in May, the chances are he will already have broken it.

    Brighton's James Milner has made the second most Premier League appearances and is just eight games behind Gareth Barry's record of 653.

    Positive start for Leeds

    Leeds head to the south coast seeking to register consecutive Premier League victories for the first time since November 2022.

    They've lost three of their four away trips so far this season but their sole victory at Wolves in September means they've already gone one better than Howard Wilkinson's team during the inaugural Premier League campaign in 1992-93. That side failed to win any of their 21 games on the road during a 42-game season but still finished two points above the relegation zone in 17th.

    The positive start that Daniel Farke's side have made has gone somewhat under the radar due to Sunderland's charge towards the top of the division. But recent history suggests that his team is doing enough, as every promoted side in the last 10 seasons with 11 points or more after 10 games has survived. Leeds have amassed 11 points from their first nine matches.

    A table explaining that every promoted side in the last 10 Premier League seasons with 11 or more points after 10 games has survived relegation - Leeds have 11 points after nine games.

    The last promoted side to have at least 11 points after 10 games and be relegated was Cardiff City in 2013-14 – the Bluebirds mustered 12 points from their first 10 fixtures but finished the season bottom with 30 points after taking a meagre 18 from their remaining 28 matches.

    A similar fate could still befall Leeds and, when asked about his side's return from their opening nine games, Leeds boss Farke said they deserved far more. "We should be on 15 to 17 points already," he said in his pre-match press conference. "We're on a good path, but survival isn't a guarantee. We need around nine or 10 wins to stay up."

  14. 🎧West Ham review and Brighton previewpublished at 12:17 GMT 31 October

    Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast graphic

    A new episode of the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast is now available to download and listen to on BBC Sounds.

    Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix reflect on the big win against West Ham, plus preview this weekend's trip to the South Coast to face Brighton as Daniel Farke's side look to make it back-to-back wins.

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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  15. The year of the dead ballpublished at 08:08 GMT 31 October

    The text and chart explain the importance of set-pieces in the Premier League by showing the percentage of goals scored from them. The chart compares the current season's percentage with the average over the past several seasons.
The question posed is "Why are set-pieces so important?"
In the 2025-26 Premier League season, 27.8% of goals have been scored from set-pieces (excluding penalties).
The average percentage of goals scored from set-pieces since the 2015-16 season is 21.65%.
The data indicates a significant increase in the percentage of goals from set-pieces in the 2025-26 season compared to the long-term average.

    This - it seems - is the season of the set piece.

    The Premier League debates are more about dead balls than ever before, with some sides enjoying immense success from corner kicks, throw ins or well-worked free-kicks.

    What fine timing then for BBC Sport to launch a column with former manager Tony Pulis, a man who seemed to finely extract the fine margins from the game.

    You can take in Tony's column on set pieces here

    The image shows a table comparing the percentage of goals scored from corners in major European football leagues for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.
In the 2024-25 season, the Premier League had the highest percentage of goals from corners at 12.1%.
In the 2025-26 season, the Premier League again topped the list with 18.7% of goals coming from corners.
The Bundesliga had the second-highest percentage in 2024-25 (12.0%), but dropped to the lowest in 2025-26 (12.6%).
The data is sourced from Opta and the image is from the BBC.
  16. Farke on Gudmundsson injury, survival calculations and Brightonpublished at 15:15 GMT 30 October

    Millie Sian
    BBC Sport journalist

    Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Brighton at Amex Stadium (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

    Here are the key lines from his news conference:

    • He provided a positive squad update after admitting some of his players were "struggling with illnesses" last week: "We are in a way better position. I have nothing to report or complain about. Everyone is training and available."

    • Gabriel Gudmundsson was forced off the pitch with a "dead leg" against West Ham. The club has ruled out "anything major" and the left-back will be "back and available" this weekend.

    • Willy Gnonto has completed his "first full training week" since recovering from a calf injury and hernia surgery. Farke added: "He isn't a topic for the starting line-up after being out for so long, but we will see if we're going to take him with us this weekend."

    • He has been impressed with Dan James' attitude to training following a lengthy period on the sidelines, adding that the winger is "working really hard to find his best shape" again.

    • On picking up 11 points from their first nine games, Farke said: "I would be a bit more relaxed if we had taken all the points we deserved from those matches. We should be on 15 to 17 points already and, if that was the case, the sun would shine even more."

    • He added: "We're on a good path, but survival isn't a guarantee. We need around nine or 10 wins to stay up."

    • Brighton have already picked up "some good results against some top sides" this season, so his side will be "respectful of that, but won't travel in fear". He added: "We know we have a chance wherever we go."

    • The Seagulls made "quite a few changes" for their midweek Carabao Cup match, so Leeds will be careful to not "overinterpret" the 2-0 defeat by Arsenal.

    • When asked about Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, Farke replied: "You could tell a few years ago that he was a big talent and full of potential. He's doing a fantastic job, so credit to him at his young age." He doesn't believe the 32-year-old has reached his "limit" as a football manager just yet.

    • On facing Georginio Rutter at his new club, Farke said: "He has progressed really well. It was a joy to work with him because he was like a young horse. He was wild, full of energy and just wanted to play. He is an important player for Brighton. We want to handle him at the weekend and we will be making sure he doesn't shine too much."

    Hear more from Farke on BBC Sounds

    Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

  17. Will the promoted sides survive?published at 07:44 GMT 29 October

    Jaka Bijol, Quilindschy Hartman and Nordi MukieleImage source, Getty Images

    The team on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club have been debating whether the sides promoted to the Premier League can survive, given their starts to the campaign.

    The Observer's Rory Smith: "It won't be the case that the three newly promoted sides will go down with a whimper. They have learnt the lesson of Forest and Villa. The way the Premier League works now is you come up, you spend all that money, and you hope you can survive. As things stand, I would say it's unlikely all three go down and it might not be any of them.

    "The average team in the Premier League is better than it has ever been - just as it was last season.

    "You go through the league - Brighton, Bournemouth, Brentford - they can all beat absolutely everyone. You are seeing this levelling out in the Premier League and it is to Arsenal's enormous credit that they seem to be hovering above it."

    Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton: "Sunderland have been top drawer in the way they play. They carry a threat when they go forward. Looking back at the game against Chelsea, they had opportunities, they defended well and they threw bodies forward.

    "I know it is early days, but you don't feel the wheels are going to come off. Their recruitment has been sensational and the way Regis Le Bris has got the team performing and functioning, and as competitive as they are, it is a testament to him. They have arguably got their star player [Habib] Diarra out injured.

    "We always say with the promoted clubs that the start is really important and then they can get a foothold and gain confidence and feel they can be a match for anybody."

    Former Premier League winger Andros Townsend: "Even if the wheels come off, they're [Sunderland] still doing a much better job than the last couple of promoted sides have done.

    "In terms of Sunderland and Leeds, they have hostile atmospheres, amazing pitches. It gives them a massive boost. Nobody wants to go and play Leeds. Leeds away, no matter what division, is not a great place to go and win a football match. It's definitely helping them."

  18. Relief, redemption, and Rodon royaltypublished at 10:57 GMT 28 October

    Molly Whitmore
    Fan writer

    Leeds United fan's voice graphic
    Leeds United player Joe RodonImage source, Getty Images

    Friday night under the Elland Road lights - that is what football is all about and what a game it turned out to be.

    Leeds bounced back in style with a 2–1 win over West Ham and you could feel the sense of relief ripple through the stands. After the disappointment against Burnley last week, this felt like a huge step in the right direction.

    Let's start with our Prince of Wales himself - Joe Rodon. The man is simply fantastic every single week. Composed, commanding and utterly dependable, he is the heartbeat of our defence. It is getting to the point where I am running out of superlatives for him.

    The only downside? I am absolutely gutted that I left him on my Fantasy Premier League bench with 13 points! Typical, isn't it? The one week I thought he might not haul and he ends up being man of the match. Always back your men!

    For Daniel Farke, this result will come as a huge relief. The pressure was beginning to build after the Burnley defeat and if we had gone down to West Ham as well, the criticism would have only grown louder.

    Credit where it is due though, he showed real courage in his team selection. Dropping a few players who had looked off the pace last week was the right call, even if it raised a few eyebrows before kick-off.

    I will admit I was questioning why Brenden Aaronson had not been one of those changes. But fair play, he proved me wrong in some style. His energy and drive were infectious and he was at the heart of everything positive going forward.

    Gabby Logan said on Match of the Day that Leeds are "already safe in October". I love her optimism and it is refreshing to hear someone outside the club backing us, but I am not quite ready to share her confidence just yet. We have made a solid start, but there is still a long road ahead. If we can follow up this win with a strong performance against Brighton, then maybe we really can start believing.

    We are only a point behind Brighton and there is absolutely no reason we can't go there and get all three points. That said, there is always the small matter of Danny Welbeck, the ex-Red Devil who seems to have a knack for scoring when you least want him to. Let's hope our defence led by the imperious Rodon keeps him quiet.

    Before I wrap up, I have to mention Sean Longstaff. I think this must be the third or fourth week in a row I have sung his praises, but I can't help it - he has just been brilliant. Tireless, intelligent and quietly consistent, he is exactly the kind of player every good side needs.

    Friday felt like a turning point and a reminder of what this Leeds team can be when belief, bravery and a bit of Rodon royalty all come together.

    Molly Whitmore is a regular contributor on BBC Radio Leeds - find all their audio here

  19. Nine games gone, 11 points gained - Leeds staying up?published at 08:04 GMT 28 October

    Chris Collinson
    BBC Sport statistician

    Leeds United have taken 11 points from their first nine Premier League matches and, even if they are beaten in game number 10 at Brighton on Saturday, recent history would suggest Daniel Farke's side will steer clear of relegation this season.

    Table showing 100% of promoted clubs with 11 or more points after 10 games in a Premier League season has survived

    Stats cynics will rightly point out that surely there is a difference between just having 11 points after 10 games and having significantly more than that?

    But if we look at exactly the position Leeds are in now, with 11 points after nine games, history still suggests they will stay up.

    Leeds are the 11th promoted side to have 11 points after nine games. Eight of the previous 10 promoted sides in that position survived, including all of the past seven - a group which includes Leeds themselves in 2020-21.

    The last time a promoted team was relegated after such a start was Manchester City in 2000-01, although Aston Villa did only survive on the final day of the 2019-20 campaign.

    Table showing only two of 10 clubs previously with 11 points after nine Premier League games have been relegated
  20. Leeds 2-1 West Ham - the fans' verdictpublished at 23:42 GMT 26 October

    Your opinions graphic

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    We asked for your thoughts after Friday's Premier League game between Leeds United and West Ham.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Leeds fans

    Andrew: 11 points from nine games is an excellent start. We need to be more clinical, merciless and attack-minded when ahead. We need an in-form striker to make Dominic Calvert-Lewin wake up and fight for his place or possibly forming an attacking partnership with him, which hasn't been seen in years.

    Paul: We were perfect in our approach. Fast start, hard work with our 2-0 lead, and then hitting on the break when the opportunities arise. A very good win.

    Chris: Although dominant in the first half, I was still worried throughout if we were to concede one goal, others could follow; a third goal would have given us that cushion. Leeds need to maintain a high tempo throughout matches, as I believe that can bring us improved performance and results.

    Andy: Solid performance from Leeds and a valuable three points. We looked solid at the back, Perri and Rodon commanded the box and Ampadu was a rock. We still lack goals and wasted too many chances though. Calvert-Lewin's hold-up play is fantastic, just nobody is feeding off him.

    West Ham fans

    Gerald: Very poor, and I've seen better teams at the school level. I have not seen any improvement under this manager.

    Sue: What a load of rubbish. That's all I can say.

    Mick: Defending is again the problem. These are Premier League players delivering League One performances. Without an injection of character and aggression on the pitch, it's hard to see them staying up. Even worse than Southampton last term. Championship next season.

    Martin: Shocking start to the game - Leeds scoring their first attack. Defensively we are a shambles and we need central defenders with presence. Todibo and Kilman are like rabbits in the headlights so bring back Zouma!

    Graham: We're clearly in a relegation battle and the worry is the players don't seem to realise it. Forget about the board. I feel sorry for the manager(s) having to watch the same mistakes over and over again. Time to look at the real problem and for these players to step up and fight for the club.