The 2022–23 season marked a tumultuous chapter for Leeds United, being the club’s 103rd season and their third consecutive year in the Premier League. Unfortunately, the season ended in disappointment as the team faced relegation to the EFL Championship amidst a backdrop of managerial changes and inconsistent performances.
Managerial Changes
Leeds United experienced significant upheaval in their managerial ranks throughout the season:
- Jesse Marsch (until 6 February 2023) – Initially started the season strong but was dismissed after a series of poor results.
- Michael Skubala (between 6–21 February 2023) – Took over as interim manager, overseeing a brief spell that included a notable draw against Manchester United.
- Javi Gracia (from 21 February to 3 May 2023) – Appointed to stabilize the team, but ultimately struggled to deliver consistent performances.
- Sam Allardyce (from 3 May 2023) – Brought in to attempt a late rescue mission but could not prevent relegation.
Performance in Competitions
In addition to their Premier League campaign, Leeds also competed in the FA Cup and the EFL Cup:
- FA Cup: Reached the Fifth Round.
- EFL Cup: Exited in the Third Round.
Top Scorer
The team’s leading goal scorer for the season was Rodrigo, who netted 15 goals, demonstrating his crucial role in the squad despite the overall struggles.
Season Overview
August
Leeds began their Premier League journey on 6 August 2022, with a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Highlights included Rodrigo’s equalizer and an own goal from Rayan Aït-Nouri. A thrilling 3-0 win against Chelsea followed, marking Leeds’ first victory over their rivals in nearly twenty years.
September
The month started poorly with a 5-2 defeat to Brentford. This was compounded by a series of postponed matches due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
October
Leeds had a challenging October, drawing with Aston Villa and losing to Arsenal, Crystal Palace, and Leicester City, further increasing the pressure on Marsch.
November
Despite a 4-3 win against Bournemouth, the team faced a 1-0 defeat in the EFL Cup against Wolverhampton, highlighting the inconsistencies plaguing the squad.
December
Leeds closed the year with a disappointing 3-1 loss to Manchester City, followed by a goalless draw against Newcastle.
January
The New Year brought little respite, as Leeds struggled in a 2-2 draw with West Ham and a disappointing FA Cup draw against Cardiff City, eventually winning the replay.
February
After a disheartening 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, Leeds sacked Marsch. Under interim manager Skubala, they secured a commendable 2-2 draw with Manchester United but lost subsequent matches against Everton and Southampton.
March
Javi Gracia’s appointment did not yield immediate results, as Leeds lost to Chelsea but managed a thrilling 4-2 victory over Wolverhampton, showcasing moments of potential.
April
April was particularly challenging, with a 4-1 defeat to Arsenal and a humiliating 6-1 loss at home to Liverpool. Leeds faced crucial matches against relegation rivals, but inconsistent performances continued.
May
The season culminated in an announcement of managerial changes as Sam Allardyce took the reins. However, his debut match ended in a 2-1 loss to Manchester City, followed by a series of defeats that ultimately led to Leeds being relegated after a final 4-1 loss to Tottenham on 28 May.
Conclusion
The 2022-23 season was a difficult period for Leeds United, filled with managerial changes, inconsistent performances, and ultimately relegation to the Championship. The club will look to regroup and rebuild in the coming season, hoping to return to the Premier League at the first opportunity.
Premier League 2022-23 Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester City (C) | 38 | 28 | 5 | 5 | 94 | 33 | +61 | 89 |
| 2 | Arsenal | 38 | 26 | 6 | 6 | 88 | 43 | +45 | 84 |
| 3 | Manchester United | 38 | 23 | 6 | 9 | 58 | 43 | +15 | 75 |
| 4 | Newcastle United | 38 | 19 | 14 | 5 | 68 | 33 | +35 | 71 |
| 5 | Liverpool | 38 | 19 | 10 | 9 | 75 | 47 | +28 | 67 |
| 6 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 38 | 18 | 8 | 12 | 72 | 53 | +19 | 62 |
| 7 | Aston Villa | 38 | 18 | 7 | 13 | 51 | 46 | +5 | 61 |
| 8 | Tottenham Hotspur | 38 | 18 | 6 | 14 | 70 | 63 | +7 | 60 |
| 9 | Brentford | 38 | 15 | 14 | 9 | 58 | 46 | +12 | 59 |
| 10 | Fulham | 38 | 15 | 7 | 16 | 55 | 53 | +2 | 52 |
| 11 | Crystal Palace | 38 | 11 | 12 | 15 | 40 | 49 | −9 | 45 |
| 12 | Chelsea | 38 | 11 | 11 | 16 | 38 | 47 | −9 | 44 |
| 13 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 38 | 11 | 8 | 19 | 31 | 58 | −27 | 41 |
| 14 | West Ham United | 38 | 11 | 7 | 20 | 42 | 55 | −13 | 40 |
| 15 | Bournemouth | 38 | 11 | 6 | 21 | 37 | 71 | −34 | 39 |
| 16 | Nottingham Forest | 38 | 9 | 11 | 18 | 38 | 68 | −30 | 38 |
| 17 | Everton | 38 | 8 | 12 | 18 | 34 | 57 | −23 | 36 |
| 18 | Leicester City (R) | 38 | 9 | 7 | 22 | 51 | 68 | −17 | 34 |
| 19 | Leeds United (R) | 38 | 7 | 10 | 21 | 48 | 78 | −30 | 31 |
| 20 | Southampton (R) | 38 | 6 | 7 | 25 | 36 | 73 | −37 | 25 |
Leeds United 2022-23 Fixtures and Results
| Competition | Date | Match | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 06 Aug 2022 | Leeds United v Wolverhampton Wanderers | W | 2-1 |
| Premier League | 13 Aug 2022 | Southampton v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| Premier League | 21 Aug 2022 | Leeds United v Chelsea | W | 3-0 |
| League Cup | 24 Aug 2022 | Leeds United v Barnsley | W | 3-1 |
| Premier League | 27 Aug 2022 | Brighton and Hove Albion v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| Premier League | 30 Aug 2022 | Leeds United v Everton | D | 1-1 |
| Premier League | 03 Sep 2022 | Brentford v Leeds United | L | 5-2 |
| Premier League | 02 Oct 2022 | Leeds United v Aston Villa | D | 0-0 |
| Premier League | 09 Oct 2022 | Crystal Palace v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
| Premier League | 16 Oct 2022 | Leeds United v Arsenal | L | 0-1 |
| Premier League | 20 Oct 2022 | Leicester City v Leeds United | L | 2-0 |
| Premier League | 23 Oct 2022 | Leeds United v Fulham | L | 2-3 |
| Premier League | 29 Oct 2022 | Liverpool v Leeds United | W | 1-2 |
| Premier League | 05 Nov 2022 | Leeds United v AFC Bournemouth | W | 4-3 |
| League Cup | 09 Nov 2022 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| Premier League | 12 Nov 2022 | Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United | L | 4-3 |
| Premier League | 28 Dec 2022 | Leeds United v Manchester City | L | 1-3 |
| Premier League | 31 Dec 2022 | Newcastle United v Leeds United | D | 0-0 |
| Premier League | 04 Jan 2023 | Leeds United v West Ham United | D | 2-2 |
| FA Cup | 08 Jan 2023 | Cardiff City v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| FA Cup | 18 Jan 2023 | Leeds United v Cardiff City | W | 5-2 |
| Premier League | 22 Jan 2023 | Leeds United v Brentford | D | 0-0 |
| FA Cup | 28 Jan 2023 | Accrington Stanley v Leeds United | W | 1-3 |
| Premier League | 05 Feb 2023 | Nottingham Forest v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| Premier League | 08 Feb 2023 | Manchester United v Leeds United | D | 2-2 |
| Premier League | 12 Feb 2023 | Leeds United v Manchester United | L | 0-2 |
| Premier League | 18 Feb 2023 | Everton v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| Premier League | 25 Feb 2023 | Leeds United v Southampton | W | 1-0 |
| FA Cup | 28 Feb 2023 | Fulham v Leeds United | L | 2-0 |
| Premier League | 04 Mar 2023 | Chelsea v Leeds United | L | 1-0 |
| Premier League | 11 Mar 2023 | Leeds United v Brighton and Hove Albion | D | 2-2 |
| Premier League | 18 Mar 2023 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United | W | 2-4 |
| Premier League | 01 Apr 2023 | Arsenal v Leeds United | L | 4-1 |
| Premier League | 04 Apr 2023 | Leeds United v Nottingham Forest | W | 2-1 |
| Premier League | 09 Apr 2023 | Leeds United v Crystal Palace | L | 1-5 |
| Premier League | 17 Apr 2023 | Leeds United v Liverpool | L | 1-6 |
| Premier League | 22 Apr 2023 | Fulham v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
| Premier League | 25 Apr 2023 | Leeds United v Leicester City | D | 1-1 |
| Premier League | 30 Apr 2023 | AFC Bournemouth v Leeds United | L | 4-1 |
| Premier League | 06 May 2023 | Manchester City v Leeds United | L | 2-1 |
| Premier League | 13 May 2023 | Leeds United v Newcastle United | D | 2-2 |
| Premier League | 21 May 2023 | West Ham United v Leeds United | L | 3-1 |
| Premier League | 28 May 2023 | Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur | L | 1-4 |
