Here are the latest Leeds United morning headlines on Saturday, April 30.
Leeds U23s frustrated by offside decision in Arsenal draw
Leeds U23s have done all they can in their fight against relegation in Premier League 2 as they finished their season with a 1-1 draw against Arsenal U23s. Chelsea U23s need three points from their final two games to condemn the young Whites to relegation.
It was important that Andy Taylor’s side were able to pick up a result at the Emirates but they were left annoyed that they could not get all three. Leeds were even more frustrated when Mateo Joseph made it 2-1 in the second half before the linesman’s flag was very dubiously raised.
Read more: Arsenal vs Leeds United under-23s highlights as poor offside call keeps relegation in view
The young Spaniard seemed to have timed his run to perfection but was ruled as being in an offside position before finishing extremely well. Taylor and his players may well have to wait until May 8 to find out which division they will be playing in next season.
Another huge weekend in the relegation battle
Yet again, it is a huge weekend in the battle against relegation in the Premier League. While Leeds remain confident of getting a result at Elland Road in their meeting with Manchester City later today, they are likely to need favours from elsewhere.
Watford remain a relegation rival although Whites supporters will be hoping to see them win at 3pm today as they host Burnley. Then, all eyes will be on Goodison Park tomorrow as Chelsea travel to Merseyside to face Everton at 2pm where Frank Lampard faces old friends in his current side’s fight to move back out of the bottom three.
Bottom club Norwich are at Villa Park at 3pm with Aston Villa looking to absolutely confirm their survival as there is still a small chance that they could be dragged back into the mire at the bottom. Even a win is unlikely to drastically strengthen the Canaries’ hopes of staying up as they are 10 points adrift of safety with five to play.
Shearer makes Struijk comparison to van Dijk
Despite not always being considered first choice among the central defenders at Leeds, Pascal Struijk has been a reliable option when called upon by both Marcelo Bielsa or Jesse Marsch this season. He continues to improve every time he takes to the pitch and at the age of 22, he still has plenty of developing to do.
Alan Shearer chose the young Dutchman as one of his five ‘Rising Stars’ in the top flight as he appeared on the Premier League’s official YouTube channel. He said: “The left-footed 22-year-old was given his chance following an injury to Liam Cooper, and while Leeds have not been at their best defensively this term, he’s made his case to be a regular in the team.
“Physically imposing at 6ft 3, he welcomes comparisons to Virgil van Dijk and having played for the Netherlands at youth level, Leeds fans will be hoping he can reach similar heights.”
Read more here.
