Last weekend saw what could be a crucial twist in the Premier League relegation battle. Both Leeds United and Everton had home fixtures against so-call 'big six' sides, meaning that neither was expected to win. However, whilst Leeds fell to a 4-0 defeat to title-chasing Manchester City, Everton pulled off a shock 1-0 win over Chelsea.
That meant that the Toffees closed the gap to Leeds to just two points, with Everton holding a game-in-hand. That makes it more likely that the Whites tumble into 18th place instead of Frank Lampard's side.
Everton's win meant that they have now picked up 12 points from 11 games against the 'big six'. That record of more than a point per game is the most impressive of the sides outside the 'big six'. That is a huge contrast from Leeds as the Whites are one of only two teams to pick up no points from those sides.
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The other is Norwich City, who were relegated at the weekend. The Whites have suffered heavy defeats in many of these games this season, with the away fixture at Chelsea the only one settled by a single goal.
Leeds have two opportunities to improve their standing on this table - and most importantly in the Premier League survival race - as they face Arsenal and Chelsea in the next seven days. If they can't pick up any points in those games, they may find that Everton and Burnley have extended the gap over them, making their job too difficult in the final fixtures against Brighton and Brentford.
Meanwhile, Everton's form against lower opposition comes into focus when considering the fact they have delivered 12 points against 'big six' sides. That accounts for 37.5% of their points over the course of the season. It could suggest that they struggle more in games where they might be expected to be on the front foot. This could be something to give Jesse Marsch and Leeds comfort, as Everton only have Arsenal left to play in the 'big six' and an 'easier' run of fixtures where they might have to play on the front foot to deliver wins.
Should Leeds lose to Chelsea and Arsenal, they will look back on the season knowing that having 12 games written off as losses may well have cost them dearly.
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