The 2020-21 season was a landmark year for Leeds United, marking their 101st season and a triumphant return to the Premier League after a 16-year absence. Under the expert guidance of Marcelo Bielsa, the team captivated fans with their dynamic style of play, finishing in ninth place with a commendable 59 points.
Key Moments
Thrilling Season Opener
Leeds began their Premier League campaign with an exhilarating match against Liverpool at Anfield on September 12, 2020. Despite a heart-stopping 4-3 loss, the game set the tone for an attacking season, with Patrick Bamford scoring a stunning goal and demonstrating Leeds’ attacking potential.
Impressive Home Win
One of the standout performances came in a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa on October 23, 2020. Bamford showcased his talent by netting a hat-trick, illustrating his importance to the team and solidifying his position as a key player in Bielsa’s squad.
Cup Competitions
In addition to their league campaign, Leeds participated in the FA Cup and EFL Cup. Unfortunately, they faced an early exit in the FA Cup, losing 3-0 to Crawley Town in the third round. The team also reached the second round of the EFL Cup, where they were eliminated, highlighting the challenges of competing on multiple fronts.
Major Upset
A significant achievement came with a remarkable 2-1 win against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on April 10, 2021. Despite being reduced to ten men after the dismissal of captain Liam Cooper, Leeds secured a historic victory thanks to two goals from Stuart Dallas, showcasing their resilience and fighting spirit.
Strong Finish
Leeds ended the season on a high note, winning four consecutive matches in May, including a dazzling 5-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion. This dominant performance illustrated their attacking prowess and secured their mid-table finish.
Top Scorer
Patrick Bamford was Leeds United’s standout performer, finishing as the club’s top scorer with 17 goals across all competitions. His contributions were vital in securing points throughout the season and demonstrated his development as a key player under Bielsa’s guidance.
Overall Performance
- Final Position: 9th
- Total Points: 59
- Goals Scored: 62
- Goals Conceded: 54
Leeds United’s 2020-21 season not only marked a successful return to the Premier League but also showcased the team’s potential for growth. With a blend of youth and experience, the foundation has been laid for future success. The dynamic play and memorable moments have reinvigorated the club’s identity and fanbase, making Leeds a team to watch in the seasons to come.
Premier League 2020-21 Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester City (C) | 38 | 27 | 5 | 6 | 83 | 32 | +51 | 86 |
| 2 | Manchester United | 38 | 21 | 11 | 6 | 73 | 44 | +29 | 74 |
| 3 | Liverpool | 38 | 20 | 9 | 9 | 68 | 42 | +26 | 69 |
| 4 | Chelsea | 38 | 19 | 10 | 9 | 58 | 36 | +22 | 67 |
| 5 | Leicester City | 38 | 20 | 6 | 12 | 68 | 50 | +18 | 66 |
| 6 | West Ham United | 38 | 19 | 8 | 11 | 62 | 47 | +15 | 65 |
| 7 | Tottenham Hotspur | 38 | 18 | 8 | 12 | 68 | 45 | +23 | 62 |
| 8 | Arsenal | 38 | 18 | 7 | 13 | 55 | 39 | +16 | 61 |
| 9 | Leeds United | 38 | 18 | 5 | 15 | 62 | 54 | +8 | 59 |
| 10 | Everton | 38 | 17 | 8 | 13 | 47 | 48 | −1 | 59 |
| 11 | Aston Villa | 38 | 16 | 7 | 15 | 55 | 46 | +9 | 55 |
| 12 | Newcastle United | 38 | 12 | 9 | 17 | 46 | 62 | −16 | 45 |
| 13 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 38 | 12 | 9 | 17 | 36 | 52 | −16 | 45 |
| 14 | Crystal Palace | 38 | 12 | 8 | 18 | 41 | 66 | −25 | 44 |
| 15 | Southampton | 38 | 12 | 7 | 19 | 47 | 68 | −21 | 43 |
| 16 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 38 | 9 | 14 | 15 | 40 | 46 | −6 | 41 |
| 17 | Burnley | 38 | 10 | 9 | 19 | 33 | 55 | −22 | 39 |
| 18 | Fulham (R) | 38 | 5 | 13 | 20 | 27 | 53 | −26 | 28 |
| 19 | West Bromwich Albion (R) | 38 | 5 | 11 | 22 | 35 | 76 | −41 | 26 |
| 20 | Sheffield United (R) | 38 | 7 | 2 | 29 | 20 | 63 | −43 | 23 |
Leeds United 2020-21 Fixtures and Results
| Competition | Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 12 Sep 2020 | Liverpool (A) | 3-4 |
| Premier League | 19 Sep 2020 | Fulham (H) | 4-3 |
| Premier League | 27 Sep 2020 | Sheffield United (A) | 1-0 |
| Premier League | 3 Oct 2020 | Manchester City (H) | 1-1 |
| Premier League | 19 Oct 2020 | Wolverhampton (H) | 0-1 |
| Premier League | 23 Oct 2020 | Aston Villa (H) | 3-0 |
| Premier League | 2 Nov 2020 | Leicester City (H) | 1-4 |
| Premier League | 7 Nov 2020 | Crystal Palace (A) | 1-4 |
| Premier League | 22 Nov 2020 | Arsenal (H) | 0-0 |
| Premier League | 28 Nov 2020 | Everton (A) | 1-0 |
| Premier League | 5 Dec 2020 | Chelsea (A) | 1-3 |
| Premier League | 11 Dec 2020 | West Ham (H) | 1-2 |
| Premier League | 16 Dec 2020 | Newcastle (A) | 5-2 |
| Premier League | 20 Dec 2020 | Manchester United (A) | 2-6 |
| Premier League | 27 Dec 2020 | Burnley (H) | 1-0 |
| Premier League | 29 Dec 2020 | West Brom (A) | 5-0 |
| Premier League | 2 Jan 2021 | Brighton (H) | 0-1 |
| FA Cup | 10 Jan 2021 | Crawley Town (A) | 0-3 |
| Premier League | 16 Jan 2021 | Brighton (A) | 0-1 |
| Premier League | 26 Jan 2021 | Newcastle (A) | 2-1 |
| Premier League | 31 Jan 2021 | Leicester City (H) | 3-1 |
| Premier League | 8 Feb 2021 | Crystal Palace (H) | 2-0 |
| Premier League | 19 Feb 2021 | Wolverhampton (A) | 0-1 |
| Premier League | 28 Feb 2021 | Aston Villa (A) | 0-1 |
| Premier League | 13 Mar 2021 | Fulham (H) | 2-1 |
| Premier League | 17 Mar 2021 | Chelsea (A) | 0-0 |
| Premier League | 3 Apr 2021 | Sheffield United (H) | 2-1 |
| Premier League | 10 Apr 2021 | Manchester City (A) | 2-1 |
| Premier League | 17 Apr 2021 | Liverpool (H) | 1-1 |
| Premier League | 20 Apr 2021 | Manchester United (H) | 0-0 |
| Premier League | 23 Apr 2021 | Brighton (H) | 2-0 |
| Premier League | 30 Apr 2021 | Burnley (A) | 4-0 |
| Premier League | 8 May 2021 | Southampton (H) | 2-0 |
| Premier League | 15 May 2021 | West Brom (H) | 3-1 |
| Premier League | 23 May 2021 | West Ham (A) | 2-1 |
