Leeds United have just produced their best week of the season — and perhaps the most consequential week of Daniel Farke’s tenure. Four points from matches against Chelsea and Liverpool, tactical flexibility, renewed confidence and a manager who has gone from the brink of dismissal to leading a revival. After six defeats in seven, Leeds suddenly look alive again.
A late fightback to beat Chelsea, a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Liverpool, and a fanbase reconnecting with the team’s intensity: the mood at Elland Road has transformed. Leeds now sit 16th, averaging a point per game, with belief restored.
But Jamie Carragher has offered a sharp reminder: the danger is far from gone.
Carragher: Leeds’ biggest problem is quality compared with rivals
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher praised Leeds’ tactical adjustments — particularly the switch to a 3-5-2 against Manchester City and the proactive changes against Liverpool — but said survival will ultimately hinge on something far more fundamental.
“Yes, brilliant management, but going to 3-5-2 doesn’t mean all Leeds’ problems are finished. They are going to lose games; they are going to find it difficult. They do not have the quality of the other teams.” — Jamie Carragher
It is a blunt but realistic assessment. Leeds’ tactical identity is improving, the spirit is clear, and players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Ao Tanaka and Anton Stach have stepped up in big moments. But as Carragher points out, when relegation battles tighten, depth and quality often become decisive.
His warning comes at a time when Opta’s projected Premier League table gives Leeds a 42% chance of relegation — the third-highest in the league.
Leeds Survival Snapshot (Dec 2025)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Current Position | 16th |
| Points | 15 from 15 games |
| Relegation Probability (Opta) | 42% |
| Last 3 Matches | D–W–D (4 points) |
Leeds’ mini-resurgence — and why Carragher says caution is needed
Although some observers argue that the hardest fixtures are now behind Leeds, Carragher suggests that survival battles aren’t solved by isolated runs of results. Leeds’ improvement has been impressive, but consistency across the season remains the real test.
He was, however, full of praise for Farke’s in-game decisions:
“Farke made changes against Liverpool, and we saw a real impact. Calvert-Lewin has made a huge impact over the last week. Elland Road was absolutely bouncing at 2–1, then they equalised again.” — Carragher
The point against Liverpool felt symbolic: a Leeds side that had previously folded late in games showed resilience instead.
Why quality matters more than tactics in the relegation run
Having watched several newly promoted and transitional clubs fight for survival across Premier League seasons, the pattern is consistent: a tactical shift or a strong three-game spell can change momentum, but quality determines longevity.
Farke deserves immense credit for responding to pressure with bold adjustments — especially against elite opposition. But the question Carragher raises is grounded in realism: does Leeds have enough depth to maintain the intensity, aggression and adaptation needed from January to May?
Although some argue Leeds’ resilience is more important than talent, it’s worth questioning whether resilience alone can sustain the club through the periods where injuries and suspensions stack up — as they inevitably do.
From my experience covering relegation battles, teams survive when their floor rises, not only when their ceiling shows promise.
Leeds’ ceiling has been on display this week. Their floor will decide the season.
Key Insights
- Leeds earned four points from Chelsea and Liverpool, sparking renewed hope.
- Jamie Carragher says the biggest threat to survival is lack of squad quality.
- Opta still gives Leeds a 42% relegation chance.
- A key run awaits: Brentford, Crystal Palace, Sunderland.
- Injuries to James & Longstaff and doubts over Nmecha weaken squad depth.
- London away days remain historically problematic for Leeds.
What’s Next?
Leeds travel to Brentford on Sunday in a match that could extend momentum — or underline the fragility Carragher warned about. Farke’s tactical improvement must now translate into results against sides around them, not only the league’s elite.
The survival battle starts now.
👉 Leeds fans — is Carragher right about squad quality, or have the last two games changed the picture?
1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 9 Dec 2025 08:26
Hope they continu like this. They belong more in the prem than for example Bournemouth with all due respect.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *