Leeds’ faint automatic promotion hopes were emphatically snuffed out on the Sky Bet Championship’s final day as they slipped to a 2-1 home defeat to Southampton.
Saints striker Adam Armstrong’s opener was cancelled out by Joel Piroe before Will Smallbone regained the lead for the visitors, who were worthy winners at Elland Road.
Leeds needed a win in their last game of the regular season and a home defeat for Ipswich against all-but relegated Huddersfield, but neither materialised and Daniel Farke’s side must lift themselves out of a downward spiral in time for the play-offs.
They ended up six points adrift of Ipswich, who beat Huddersfield 2-0, after a fourth defeat in six matches and became the first Championship side since Sunderland in 1998 to finish on 90 points and not go up automatically.
For impressive Southampton, who finished fourth, it was a timely return to form after three straight defeats and the two sides could yet meet again at Wembley later this month in the play-off final. For that to happen, Leeds must see off Norwich and Saints need to beat West Brom.
Leeds started like a team eager to put last Friday’s damaging defeat at QPR behind them and Georginio Rutter’s free-kick forced Alex McCarthy into flying early save.
But Southampton looked fluid breaking forward, despite making six changes after last week’s home defeat to Stoke, and Elland Road fell silent when they took an 18th-minute lead.
Leeds failed to clear Saints’ first corner and Che Adams’ low cross was turned home by the unmarked Armstrong for his 21st league goal of the season.
The home side’s response was immediate though. Sam Byram drove deep into Saints’ territory and when Willy Gnonto’s cross was only half-cleared, Piroe smashed in the equaliser.
But Leeds continued to live dangerously, hacking clear a corner inches from their own goal-line before Byram’s last-ditch tackle deflected Ryan Manning’s fizzing goal-bound effort off target.
And the home side’s soft underbelly was exposed again in the 35th minute.
Kyle Walker-Peters chased a long ball out near the corner flag, skipped round Junior Firpo and picked out Smallbone, who ran unchallenged into the box to fire his side back in front.
Gnonto pulled a low shot just wide as Leeds chased a second equaliser, but it could have been worse for the Whites when Taylor Harwood-Bellis headed Manning’s free-kick against the crossbar before half-time.
Southampton substitute Ryan Fraser’s curling effort had home fans holding their breath at the start of the second half as the visitors resumed full of confidence.
Leeds enjoyed their best spell of the match after a triple substitution of Archie Gray, Matteo Joseph and Jaidon Anthony – on for Glen Kamara, Rutter and Gnonto – with half an hour to go.
But they had only Crysencio Summerville’s angled effort, parried by McCarthy, and a low wide effort from Anthony to show for a dominant spell of possession.
Jack Grealish Man CityPep Guardiola has left Jack Grealish out of Man City's squad for their final day tilt against Fulham, fuelling speculation over the winger's future. Manchester United FC v Manchester City FC - Premier LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?Grealish is scheduled for talks with the club this summer, but his omission from their crucial trip to Craven Cottage is the latest sign his future likely li...
Manchester United v Fulham - Emirates FA Cup Fifth RoundVictor Lindelof's time at Manchester United is drawing to a close as the Swedish international will leave once his contract expires.WHAT HAPPENED?Fabrizio Romano has reported that a final decision was made following a meeting this week between the club’s hierarchy and the player, marking the end of an eight-year stint at Old Trafford. D...
🔊 Can Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League for the second consecutive season? Their chances look promising, especially with Manchester United unfortunately becoming one of the main point donors in the Premier League. However, a win at Old Trafford won't be enough. They need one of the top three to drop points. Regardless, the visitors will be playing solely for the win, making the favorite...
🔊 Can Newcastle secure a top-five finish in the English Premier League? Currently sitting fourth, they are only ahead of Chelsea and Aston Villa on goal difference. This makes a win at St. James' Park crucial for the Magpies. Everton might not be in contention for anything significant, but they remain a tricky opponent. We'll explore various scenarios to make an insightful prediction. Head-to-Head...
🔊 Will Manchester City secure a spot in the Champions League by the end of the Premier League season? A victory would guarantee it. However, under certain scenarios, a draw or even a loss might suffice. Fulham, stuck in mid-table, aren't contending for anything significant. With a lack of motivation, they appear as the underdogs in this clash at London's Craven Cottage. Nonetheless, we will explor...
🔊 Can Ipswich Town wrap up their stay in the English Premier League with a victory? They're up against West Ham, a team with a decent squad but plenty of on-field issues. This gives the "Tractor Boys" a chance to delight the crowd at Portman Road, even though they aren't the favorites. We'll explore various scenarios to make a well-founded prediction.Head-to-Head📊 The only head-to-head encounter b...
🔊 Will the final round of the English Premier League serve as a dress rehearsal for the Community Shield? These very teams will compete for the trophy in August. It's a familiar scenario for Liverpool, but not so for Crystal Palace, who will make their debut in such a match. However, both teams are unlikely to be looking that far ahead, as their lineups are bound to change. More likely, players fr...
🔊 How will Leicester look without their legend, Jamie Vardy? The team is likely to undergo some restructuring, but that's a challenge for next season when the Foxes will be competing in the Championship. Bournemouth, on the other hand, will remain in the Premier League, though their squad could see significant changes due to increased demand for their players. In this upcoming clash, neither team ...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Enzo Maresca now The Arsenal of Italy When you see it… Arteta really thinks this. The difference The last time Man United won a European Trophy was when they played against… Andre Onana! James Maddison had a big night Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC...
Kyle Walker's decline led to him being cast aside by Pep Guardiola, before he joined AC Milan in January. Since then, it has been Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis that have operated at right-back, but Man City are keen for a specialist to be brought in during the summer. And they have now set their sights on one of the Premier League's brightest talents.Man City identify Tino Livramento as leading rig...
- 1 Man City withdraw and Liverpool could steal
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 Man City target right-back Tino Livramento
- 4 Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Prediction 25 May 2025
- 5 Man United man makes stunning claim
- 6 Tottenham vs Manchester United Prediction 22 May 2025
- 7 Goodbye Jack Grealish?! Pep Guardiola axes Man City star from squad for crucial Fulham clash as transfer talk continues to swirl
- 8 Eberechi Eze is at it again as he helps Crystal Palace to victory against Wolves
- 9 Liverpool considering transfer swoop
- 10 Manchester United vs Aston Villa Prediction 25 May 2025