Leeds United, Sunderland and Burnley are already demonstrating more competence in the Premier League than previous promoted sides, and it leaves mainstays facing the scary proposition of relegation to the Championship.
Saturday’s trip to Wolves was the first time where Leeds knew that they essentially had to win if they wanted to dispel any notion that they’re nailed for relegation.
A convincing display saw United go into half-time 3-1 to the good, and deservedly so. After the interval, Leeds limited Vitor Pereira’s side to hopeful crosses and very few actual chances to test Karl Darlow.
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Leeds United, Sunderland and Burnley drag West Ham and Wolves into “serious” relegation trouble
Last season, you had to wait until October for any of the newly-promoted sides to secure a win between them. This time around, all three already had a win on the board after two games.
That competitiveness from Leeds, Sunderland and Burnley means that the previously comfy positions held by Premier League regulars may no longer be the case.
The Athletic share that Wolves, Leeds’ vanquished weekend opposition, and West Ham are both look to be in “serious trouble”.
Wolves might be in serious relegation trouble this season in the Premier League (REUTERS/Chris Radburn)
Nick Miller writes that last season’s trio arriving in the division were “pathetic” and gave the sides from 17th upward a nice cushion that masked their own inadequacies:
“Yes, it is early days, but it feels like the rest of the league is not insulated by the inadequacies of the new intake, leaving some more established names are in serious trouble.
“And at the moment those names are Wolves and West Ham, who aren’t so much sleepwalking towards relegation as already in full zombie mode.
“Last season, teams like West Ham and Wolves could have got away with it, protected by a dreadful bottom three. Maybe not this time.”
Can Leeds United avoid Premier League relegation?
It’s only five games, which is a very small sample size. However, Leeds and their newly-promoted counterparts are showing very good habits.
Most importantly, all three sides look very solid defensively, and that in turn brings consistent points on the board across the season.
It’s hard to say whether we’ve got enough to stay up right now. That being said, this Wolves side look incredibly vulnerable, as do West Ham.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!