Leeds missed out on promotion to the Premier League in the cruelest fashion on Sunday afternoon as Southampton's Adam Armstrong put paid to United's hopes of returning to the top flight at the first attempt. The Saints striker's first half effort made all the difference despite Leeds' push to restore parity during the second half and take the game to extra-time. Advertisement Advertisement Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Yorkshire Evening Post, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.
Daniel Farke reflected on the game at full-time, reiterating the inexperience of his young side, suggesting it may have played a part in Leeds' inability to secure promotion after an imperious run midway through the season and 90-point finish. From Wembley Stadium, here are five factors which contributed to Leeds falling at the final hurdle. Key players unavailable Leeds were unable to call upon Patrick Bamford, Pascal Struijk and Stuart Dallas at Wembley; all three ruled out due to injury.
While their experience and words of encouragement will have been worth something in the build-up to kick-off and perhaps at half-time having travelled with the playing squad, their influence could not extend to the pitch where United needed it most. Joel Piroe's performance on the day was insufficient in firing Leeds to promotion glory and a change up top, perhaps in the form of a fully fit and a.