On This Day: Leeds United tears at Brentford as automatic promotion hopes are all but dashed

LEEDS United's automatic promotion hopes were effectively dashed on this day just two years ago in 2019.
By Lee Sobot
Published 22nd Apr 2021, 12:08 GMT
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Marcelo Bielsa's Whites departed for the Easter Monday clash at Brentford on the back of Good Friday's 2-1 reverse at home to ten-man Wigan Athletic which took United's top two destiny out of their own hands.

The shock reverse against the Latics saw Leeds drop to third place in Bielsa's first season in charge and behind second-placed Sheffield United on goal difference with three games left.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But Leeds were then dealt another hammer blow just four three later as goals from Neal Maupay and Sergi Canos gave the Bees a 2-0 victory during a match in which Leeds were denied a penalty despite Patrick Bamford being brought down by Julian Jeanvier.

DISTRUAGHT: Leeds United playmaker Pablo Hernandez, right, is consoled by Whites head coach Marcelo Bielsa, left, after the 2-0 defeat at Brentford of Monday, April 22, 2019. Picture by Ian Walton/PA Wire.DISTRUAGHT: Leeds United playmaker Pablo Hernandez, right, is consoled by Whites head coach Marcelo Bielsa, left, after the 2-0 defeat at Brentford of Monday, April 22, 2019. Picture by Ian Walton/PA Wire.
DISTRUAGHT: Leeds United playmaker Pablo Hernandez, right, is consoled by Whites head coach Marcelo Bielsa, left, after the 2-0 defeat at Brentford of Monday, April 22, 2019. Picture by Ian Walton/PA Wire.

Sheffield United won 3-0 at Hull City the same day meaning the Blades now had a plus nine better goal difference and would effectively end Leeds' automatic promotion hopes with victory in that next game.

That always seemed likely with the Blades hosting bottom of the table Ipswich Town in their next fixture and Chris Wilder's side duly sealed a 2-0 victory against the Tractor Boys the following weekend.

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/manchester-united-midfielder-fred-salutes-leeds-united-ahead-of-english-football-clasico-at-elland-road-3210124

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/yorkshire-evening-post-launch-leeds-united-only-digital-subscription-ahead-premier-league-campaign-2967964

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890.

We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds.

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.

For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you Laura Collins

Related topics:BrentfordBladesWigan Athletic