XtraTime Web Desk: Leeds United is back in the Premier League after 16 years wait. The side from Elland Road got promoted to the top tier of English football following the loss to West Bromwich Albion against Huddersfield on Friday night. Marcelo Bielsa’s boys, who defeated Barnsley 1-0 on Thursday night sealed promotion from the Championship with two games in hand. Leeds is yet to clinch the Championship title though. If third placed Brentford fails to win against Stoke City on Saturday then Leeds will be crowned the champions else they will have to wait till Sunday as a point against Derby County will seal the title. Leeds is now on 87 points from 44 games. West Bromwich Albion who is now on 82 from 45games can only end up securing 85 points. While Brentford, if they win their remaining two fixtures will end up on 87 points. So, Leeds will just require a draw to seal the Championship.
It was somewhat surprising to see the club getting relegated in 2004, just three years after reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League – with a side containing the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Harry Kewell, Jonathan Woodgate, Lee Bowyer, Mark Viduka and Alan Smith. The club saw as many as 15 managers, several changes of ownership in a span of 16 years.
But ever since Bielsa took over in 2018-19 the club from North English County saw a massive turnaround in fortunes. Bielsa coached side came tantalizingly close to clinching a promotion last season as they lost to Derby County in the play offs. The performances this season has been impressive since the start.
It has been a truly inspiring story for Leeds United, getting back to where they belong.