Ian Wright has shared his thoughts on Leeds United and Everton’s chances of surviving relegation from the Premier League.
The Arsenal legend stated ‘you can’t make mistakes like that and survive’ following Leeds United’s 2-2 draw against Newcastle United on Saturday, as he told Premier League Productions (15/05/23 at 2:40 pm).
At one point, Patrick Bamford had the chance, via the penalty spot, to put the home side 2-0 ahead, only for his spot-kick to be saved by Nick Pope, and then minutes later, Callum Wilson levelled the scores – it’s been suggested that the Leeds striker is ‘short of confidence’.
Whilst Leeds shot themselves in the foot again, especially giving away two penalties, their rivals were no different because Sean Dyche’s Everton were outclassed at the hands of Manchester City by suffering a 3-0 defeat 24 hours later.
That probably makes Nottingham Forest’s point at Chelsea on Saturday afternoon even more precious, as Leicester City have the chance to climb out of the bottom three if they beat Liverpool on Monday night at the King Power Stadium.
Either way, the race to avoid the drop is going to go to the last day of the season, as many as four teams could be involved, with Wright thinking Leeds’ time is up and Everton will get enough points to stay in the Premier League.
“Newcastle showed through Callum Wilson, when they got their chance, bam, it was ruthless,” said Wright. “Leeds didn’t do that. I just don’t think you can make those mistakes. The rash penalty in the first half. The silly penalty with what Firpo gave away. You don’t make mistakes like that and survive. I just don’t think you do.
On Everton: “I think they will look at their two games, I know they have just got beaten by Manchester City, but they will look at those two games, with Wolves how poorly they are playing, at the minute. Bournemouth are safe. Then they will get four points out of that, at least.
On Forest: “Those two games, against Arsenal and Palace, are games Forest will fancy in the current climate.”
LEEDS UNITED AND EVERTON IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP
To think clubs the size of Leeds and Everton could both be sitting in the Championship next season is pretty telling for how their respective teams are being run.
For those in Yorkshire, they have been in this position many times before. From Peter Ridsdale to Massimo Cellino, Leeds have had some serious clowns running their clubs, who have taken them to depths they don’t want to go back to.
For the Toffees, in their entire history, they have only suffered relegation twice. The last instance was the 1950/51 season. Bobby Moore was yet to lift the World Cup for England, so they will be in for a rude awakening if they drop.
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