The 1973-74 season marked a pinnacle in the history of Leeds United, as they not only clinched the First Division title but did so with an extraordinary display of dominance. Under the management of Don Revie, the team showcased their potential, securing a spot in the annals of football history.
Unmatched Dominance
Leeds United’s campaign was nothing short of remarkable. They went through 29 matches unbeaten, a feat that set a record for the longest unbeaten start to a league season in the 20th century. This record stood until it was finally eclipsed by Arsenal during their invincible season in 2003-04.
Key Players and Performances
One of the standout performers was Mick Jones, who emerged as the club’s top scorer with 17 goals in all competitions. His contribution was pivotal in helping Leeds maintain their position at the top of the league for most of the season.
The Impact of Setbacks
Despite the overwhelming success, the season was not without its challenges. A shocking defeat to Sunderland and a disappointing loss in Greece prompted Revie to reconsider his future, including an opportunity to manage Everton. Ultimately, these setbacks fueled the team’s determination to go through the next league season unbeaten.
A Season to Remember
Leeds United’s dominance throughout the 1973-74 season was underscored by their ability to consistently outplay opponents, leading to only four league defeats. They remained at the summit of the league table for nearly the entire campaign, showcasing not just skill but also resilience and teamwork.
Revie’s Departure
As the season concluded, the club faced a significant transition. Don Revie, the architect of this success, accepted the role of manager for the England national team, leaving behind a legacy that would influence the club for years to come.
Conclusion
The 1973-74 season stands as a testament to Leeds United’s greatness, a season characterized by exceptional performances, record-breaking runs, and a hunger for success. With players like Mick Jones leading the charge, this era remains a proud chapter in the club’s rich history. As Leeds continues to evolve, the legacy of this dominant season will always be remembered by fans and historians alike.
First Division 1973-74 Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GR | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leeds United | 42 | 24 | 14 | 4 | 66 | 31 | 2.129 | 62 |
| 2 | Liverpool | 42 | 22 | 13 | 7 | 52 | 31 | 1.677 | 57 |
| 3 | Derby County | 42 | 17 | 14 | 11 | 52 | 42 | 1.238 | 48 |
| 4 | Ipswich Town | 42 | 18 | 11 | 13 | 67 | 58 | 1.155 | 47 |
| 5 | Stoke City | 42 | 15 | 16 | 11 | 54 | 42 | 1.286 | 46 |
| 6 | Burnley | 42 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 56 | 53 | 1.057 | 46 |
| 7 | Everton | 42 | 16 | 12 | 14 | 50 | 48 | 1.042 | 44 |
| 8 | Queens Park Rangers | 42 | 13 | 17 | 12 | 56 | 52 | 1.077 | 43 |
| 9 | Leicester City | 42 | 13 | 16 | 13 | 51 | 41 | 1.244 | 42 |
| 10 | Arsenal | 42 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 49 | 51 | 0.961 | 42 |
| 11 | Tottenham Hotspur | 42 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 45 | 50 | 0.900 | 42 |
| 12 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 42 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 49 | 49 | 1.000 | 41 |
| 13 | Sheffield United | 42 | 14 | 12 | 16 | 44 | 49 | 0.898 | 40 |
| 14 | Manchester City | 42 | 14 | 12 | 16 | 39 | 46 | 0.848 | 40 |
| 15 | Newcastle United | 42 | 13 | 12 | 17 | 49 | 48 | 1.021 | 38 |
| 16 | Coventry City | 42 | 14 | 10 | 18 | 43 | 54 | 0.796 | 38 |
| 17 | Chelsea | 42 | 12 | 13 | 17 | 56 | 60 | 0.933 | 37 |
| 18 | West Ham United | 42 | 11 | 15 | 16 | 55 | 60 | 0.917 | 37 |
| 19 | Birmingham City | 42 | 12 | 13 | 17 | 52 | 64 | 0.813 | 37 |
| 20 | Southampton | 42 | 11 | 14 | 17 | 47 | 68 | 0.691 | 36 |
| 21 | Manchester United | 42 | 10 | 12 | 20 | 38 | 48 | 0.792 | 32 |
| 22 | Norwich City | 42 | 7 | 15 | 20 | 37 | 62 | 0.597 | 29 |
Leeds United 1973-74 Fixtures and Results
| Competition | Date | Match | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| League Division One | 25 Aug 1973 | Leeds United v Everton | W | 3-1 |
| League Division One | 28 Aug 1973 | Arsenal v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| League Division One | 01 Sep 1973 | Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United | W | 0-3 |
| League Division One | 05 Sep 1973 | Leeds United v Wolverhampton Wanderers | W | 4-1 |
| League Division One | 08 Sep 1973 | Leeds United v Birmingham City | W | 3-0 |
| League Division One | 11 Sep 1973 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| League Division One | 15 Sep 1973 | Southampton v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| UEFA Cup | 19 Sep 1973 | Stromsgodset IF v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League Division One | 22 Sep 1973 | Leeds United v Manchester United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 29 Sep 1973 | Norwich City v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| UEFA Cup | 03 Oct 1973 | Leeds United v Stromsgodset IF | W | 6-1 |
| League Division One | 06 Oct 1973 | Leeds United v Stoke City | D | 1-1 |
| League Cup | 08 Oct 1973 | Ipswich Town v Leeds United | L | 2-0 |
| League Division One | 13 Oct 1973 | Leicester City v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| League Division One | 20 Oct 1973 | Leeds United v Liverpool | W | 1-0 |
| UEFA Cup | 24 Oct 1973 | Leeds United v Hibernian | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 27 Oct 1973 | Manchester City v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 03 Nov 1973 | Leeds United v West Ham United | W | 4-1 |
| UEFA Cup | 07 Nov 1973 | Hibernian v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| UEFA Cup | 07 Nov 1973 | Hibernian v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| League Division One | 10 Nov 1973 | Burnley v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 17 Nov 1973 | Leeds United v Coventry City | W | 3-0 |
| League Division One | 24 Nov 1973 | Derby County v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| UEFA Cup | 28 Nov 1973 | Leeds United v Vitoria Setubal | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 01 Dec 1973 | Leeds United v Queens Park Rangers | D | 2-2 |
| League Division One | 08 Dec 1973 | Ipswich Town v Leeds United | W | 0-3 |
| UEFA Cup | 12 Dec 1973 | Vitoria Setubal v Leeds United | L | 3-1 |
| League Division One | 15 Dec 1973 | Chelsea v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| League Division One | 22 Dec 1973 | Leeds United v Norwich City | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 26 Dec 1973 | Newcastle United v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 29 Dec 1973 | Birmingham City v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| League Division One | 01 Jan 1974 | Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur | D | 1-1 |
| FA Cup | 05 Jan 1974 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| FA Cup | 09 Jan 1974 | Leeds United v Wolverhampton Wanderers | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 12 Jan 1974 | Leeds United v Southampton | W | 2-1 |
| League Division One | 19 Jan 1974 | Everton v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| FA Cup | 26 Jan 1974 | Peterborough United v Leeds United | W | 1-4 |
| League Division One | 02 Feb 1974 | Leeds United v Chelsea | D | 1-1 |
| League Division One | 05 Feb 1974 | Leeds United v Arsenal | W | 3-1 |
| League Division One | 09 Feb 1974 | Manchester United v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| FA Cup | 16 Feb 1974 | Bristol City v Leeds United | D | 1-1 |
| FA Cup | 19 Feb 1974 | Leeds United v Bristol City | L | 0-1 |
| League Division One | 23 Feb 1974 | Stoke City v Leeds United | L | 3-2 |
| League Division One | 26 Feb 1974 | Leeds United v Leicester City | D | 1-1 |
| League Division One | 02 Mar 1974 | Leeds United v Newcastle United | D | 1-1 |
| League Division One | 09 Mar 1974 | Leeds United v Manchester City | W | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 16 Mar 1974 | Liverpool v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| League Division One | 23 Mar 1974 | Leeds United v Burnley | L | 1-4 |
| League Division One | 30 Mar 1974 | West Ham United v Leeds United | L | 3-1 |
| League Division One | 06 Apr 1974 | Leeds United v Derby County | W | 2-0 |
| League Division One | 13 Apr 1974 | Coventry City v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 15 Apr 1974 | Leeds United v Sheffield United | D | 0-0 |
| League Division One | 16 Apr 1974 | Sheffield United v Leeds United | W | 0-2 |
| League Division One | 20 Apr 1974 | Leeds United v Ipswich Town | W | 3-2 |
| League Division One | 27 Apr 1974 | Queens Park Rangers v Leeds United | W | 0-1 |
