Is complacency an issue?published at 15:09 GMT 3 March
15:09 GMT 3 March
Image source, Getty Images
The Don't Go To Bed Just Yet team have been responding to listener emails.
One listener - Howard - is worried complacency may slip in later in the campaign.
BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope said: "I don't think there'll be any complacency from the squad and Farke.
"I think Howard may have something that we sit here and say 'should beat Wolves at home or Burnley'. But I don't think there's any worries of complacency in the camp."
Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix said: "The way Leeds have been built, one of the things is the team spirit. I think that's what we want - togetherness, tenacious, aggressive in the tackle and full effort. That's what Daniel Farke wants and what we're getting.
"Leeds have officially had the toughest fixtures so far. Of the top seven, we only have Manchester United away left. The bottom sides, Wolves at home, maybe that's more difficult than it seems."
'A group growing into itself at the right time'published at 12:30 GMT 3 March
12:30 GMT 3 March
Molly Whitmore Fan writer
Against one of the best sides in world football, and somehow they still made us believe.
There is always something about Elland Road under the lights, and from the first whistle you could feel it again. Recent night games have brought momentum and belief, and even with Manchester City in town, there was no sense of fear in the stands or on the pitch. Respect, yes. But not fear.
The opening spell summed that up perfectly. We came flying out and asked real questions. Dominic Calvert-Lewin set the tone early on. That first chance will haunt him because he knows it should have hit the net, but the run itself was top class. Power, intent, and a willingness to take on elite defenders. With World Cup conversations starting to bubble away, you cannot help but feel he deserves to be in the mix. From a selfish point of view you would love to keep him at bay from any injury, and there are three more obvious names that will more then likely travel to the US, but it's not to say it's not deserving.
There were other moments too that showed just how competitive this side has become. Gruev's strike had the ground holding its breath, and then came the Aaronson chance. The frustration there was real because he actually had more time than he realised. At this level, those half-seconds matter. The right decision and it could have been a very different night.
And that is what makes the result sting. Not disappointment in the performance, but the feeling that something was there to take. A point would have felt deserved. Three would not have been outrageous. Yet even in defeat, there was perspective. When you look at the results around us and the way we are trending, this is not a team fading into the bottom three. It is a group growing into itself at exactly the right time.
That said, the nerves are never too far away. Seeing Spurs and West Ham looming in the final fixtures still brings that familiar knot in the stomach. We have seen too many dramatic finishes over the years, and it is hard not to brace ourselves for another one.
Attention now turns to Tuesday and what feels like a pivotal night against Sunderland. On paper it is more winnable, but games like this often carry more pressure. Sunderland have shown signs of life again and will not make it easy. Still, being back under the lights at Elland Road feels significant. These are the moments that define survival pushes.
There are a few concerns going into it. The possible Rodon knock is one. The other is the absence of Daniel Farke after his red card on Saturday, which means he will be watching from the stands rather than the touchline. That is where Eddie Riemer suddenly becomes even more important. Hearing him speak afterwards was reassuring. He came across calm and clear, and with him likely taking on a bigger presence from the sidelines, that composure could matter.
Ultimately, this performance felt like another step forward. Not a night for despair, but one that quietly builds belief. If we bring the same intensity on Tuesday, the opportunity is there to take a huge stride towards safety.
Under the lights, with the crowd behind us, you would not back against us. MOT.
Leeds v Sunderland: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 09:11 GMT 3 March
09:11 GMT 3 March
Noel Sliney BBC Sport senior journalist
This is the first Premier League meeting between Leeds and Sunderland at Elland Road since August 2002, which the visitors won 1-0.
Leeds will kick-off six points behind their fellow promoted opponents, and six points above the bottom three with 10 games remaining.
Improved Leeds still leaking goals
When Leeds lost all four of their matches in November to drop into the relegation zone, few would have predicted they would only suffer three further defeats across the ensuing three months.
Those losses, spanning 15 games, have come against Champions League sides Newcastle,Arsenal and, on Saturday, Manchester City. Leeds' tally of 20 points during that period ranks them 10th in the division, just a point behind Chelsea.
Nonetheless, there is work to do to stay in the division. Notably, Daniel Farke's side have the worst defensive record outside the current bottom three, conceding 47 goals and only keeping two clean sheets in their past 25 top-flight matches.
That is despite making the fewest errors leading to shots (14) of any team in the Premier League and only facing the eighth-highest number of shots.
One statistic overwhelmingly in Leeds' favour is their home record in night-time fixtures. Though they lost their 5.30pm kick-off against Manchester City at the weekend, the Whites are unbeaten at Elland Road in 22 league games starting at 7pm or later since April 2023. They have won 19 of those, including the past 13 by an aggregate score of 33-7.
Beware the slides of March
Sunderland's season is on a downward trajectory; they earned 17 points from their first nine matches to briefly go second in the table, but have since only added 20 points from 19 fixtures.
They have won just two of their past 12 league games, but did at least stop a run of three straight defeats by drawing away to in-form Bournemouth on Saturday.
No team has been relegated with Sunderland's current tally of 37 points or more since Newcastle a decade ago. Nonetheless, the Black Cats would welcome a change of luck in March as they seek to end runs of nine Premier League away games, and as many midweek matches, without a win.
Perhaps most disconcerting for Sunderland is that they are winless in 17 top-flight games played in the month of March since beating QPR 3-1 in 2012 (D9, L8). In Premier League history, only Leicester City and Fulham have endured longer winless streaks in a particular month.
Sutton's predictions: Leeds v Sunderlandpublished at 07:38 GMT 3 March
07:38 GMT 3 March
This is a big game for Leeds. They are six points above the relegation zone with 10 games to go, but have still got work to do.
I've been impressed by Daniel Farke's side recently, but they still rely a lot on their home form - they have picked up 22 points from 14 games at Elland Road compared to nine from 14 on the road - so it feels like they need to win this.
Sunderland have not won in four league games but I'm not reading too much into that - Granit Xhaka's return from injury made a difference against Bournemouth on Saturday, and a draw was a good result for them.
This is going to be close but Leeds like playing under the lights - they pushed Manchester City all the way on Saturday evening, and this time I think it is them who will edge it.
Why were Leeds fans booing?published at 19:02 GMT 2 March
19:02 GMT 2 March
Image source, Getty Images
The team on Don't Go To bed Just Yet have been working through emails on the booing of Saturday's in-game break of play to allow players to break their fast during Ramadan.
Messages from listeners have pointed to some confusion inside Elland Road, with some fans frustrated Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola used the pause to coach his side after a fine start by their hosts.
BBC Radio Leeds commentator Adam Pope said: "When you have your headphones on, you can't hear anything but you could hear the boos. It was loud. Definitely there were those booing who won't tolerate having a break for those observing Ramadan and breaking a fast.
"Over the weekend we have had people message or we have asked and there were those who told me there was some really horrible stuff being said. I think there were those also who were completely confused by what was going on and why there was a break. And then there were those who were really annoyed that Pep used it to have a full team talk with all of the players, not just those breaking their fast.
"I think there were three elements. It depends where you were in the ground as to which of those three were loudest."
Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix told the podcast: "On TV, the booing was loud. So I can see why people would think it was not a good look. People we know and go with wouldn't be booing because it was Ramadan. But there probably are some people who were booing for that reason. I follow Leeds quite closely and I didn't know what the break was for before they started it. I feel it's been jumped on as a thing that is entirely negative.
"I've been in the stadium when people have been booed taking the knee. I think it's bad people boo lots of stuff they boo. But I don't think it was unanimously that. I think there was some element of confusion."
🎧 'There's a lot to talk about'published at 17:12 GMT 2 March
17:12 GMT 2 March
Leeds United were narrowly beaten by Manchester City in the Premier League, in a game with a lot of talking points. Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix reflect on that defeat and preview the visit of Sunderland.
This week there are three episodes. On Wednesday, the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet team have an exclusive interview lined up and on Friday there'll be a weekend preview.
Farke on red card, boos during Ramadan break and 'outstanding' Justinpublished at 15:17 GMT 2 March
15:17 GMT 2 March
Media caption,
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Premier League game against Sunderland at Elland Road (kick-off 19:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Farke offered extensive detail on his red card after the defeat by Manchester City: "As a player, my problem was I was one of the slowest strikers in Europe. This is the first time I am accused of running too quick on the pitch. I have never received a red card."
Farke continued: "I am a very self-critical person. When I make a mistake, I always hold my hand up and apologise. In my job, I also have to be a role model. But, in this case, I think it shouldn't be a red card. There will always be disagreements."
Farke said he was angered by stoppages in added time and a booking for City's Rayan Ait-Nouri, which took up more time. The Leeds boss felt time was not added on for those stoppages but insists he did not swear at referee Peter Bankes: "I wanted to ask him, 'why did you give a yellow card if you don't add any seconds?' As soon as I arrived, he had the red card in his hand. I just wanted to ask this question. To show a red card, more like to embarrass me, to show the world this guy isn't worth talking to. Then I was angry. Even then I didn't use one bad word. I have learned my lesson. I will never jog again on the pitch."
Farke says he does not know the process for the aftermath of a red card and whether the club will appeal against his dismissal.
Some Leeds fans were criticised for booing during a stoppage for players observing Ramadan to break their fast, and Farke said: "To be honest, if it was very disrespectful then you have to say we all have to learn from it. During the game it wasn't my feeling - I think it was more it was a big surprise that there was this break. I don't think it had anything to do with a break for Ramadan. Someone said it was written on the screen but I'm not sure people watch the screen. If it was, for some people, being disrespectful then it was not acceptable and you have to learn. In general, football and we as a club, there is no better place for living together with different passports or religions. My gut feeling was the supporters didn't even know what was happening."
In terms of injury news for the Sunderland fixture, Farke said he expects Joe Rodon to recover in time and James Justin has had some stitches but should make it. Noah Okafor will miss out.
The German heaped praise on Justin, who played as a centre-back against Manchester City. He said: "I have rarely played with a player of his football intelligence. If you go into the details of his game, what he is doing is always nine out of 10. It is unbelievable what he brings. I am pretty sure after his career he will be a top coach as he understands the game so well. It's a joy to work with him."
On Anton Stach, Farke offered: "Anton is highly praised as one of the best signings in the Premier League, and rightly so. He's delivering on the top level. He shows versatility, plays in more or less every midfield role and delivers in every position. Strength in the air, he wins so many balls and I also like his ability to run the game. He delivers goals, assists, is often a creative spark for us. His covered ground is also on the top level every game. For me, a very complete player and fantastic on this level."
Peter: We did everything right except put the ball in the net. Frustrated.
Mark: You HAVE to take your chances at this level, against teams like City... you don't and you lose. Dominic Calvert-Lewin looked well off it for large periods of the game. He struggles badly up front when on his own - that's just not his game.
Ruth: I feel optimistic and proud of the way Leeds are playing at the moment. They are not being embarrassed by the big clubs and are showing passionate, gutsy play. Unlucky not to get a draw. MOT.
Ron: Think we need to be pragmatic. Look at the difference in the cost of the teams and wages. We gave them a good game and after the weekend we have increased the goal difference on West Ham to 10, goals so it's basically seven points between us at the moment.
Man City fans
Mark: A narrow win at this stage of the season is worth its weight in gold, but not great for the nerves!
Alan: One hard-earned win against a tough Leeds side. A masterclass from Rodri.
Tim: It was a determined performance with a sprinkling of quality and that's what wins games.
Gene: A very hard-fought win which would've been by more if not for a couple of nice saves by the Leeds keeper Karl Darrow. After surviving the initial first-half surge, the possession slowed the game down providing scoring opportunities. The second-half sleepwalking didn't show up as they battled through, showing maturity and composure. The team is coming together, both at the front and back, with passing combinations clicking.
Watch Premier League highlights and analysispublished at 10:41 GMT 1 March
10:41 GMT 1 March
Pundits Alan Shearer and Ashley Williams join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's Premier League fixtures.
Leeds analysis: Farke's men fighting but come up shortpublished at 20:06 GMT 28 February
20:06 GMT 28 February
Shamoon Hafez Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Leeds fans were buoyed by their team's bright start, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin could not provide the goal that would have raised the roof.
Players and supporters alike will have left pondering what could have been against the title challengers, but this is a familiar outcome: Leeds have now lost their past six Premier League games against Manchester City.
Brenden Aaronson poked wide from close range and James Justin had an effort smothered by Gianluigi Donnarumma in a flurry of first-half chances for the home team.
Substitute Jaka Bijol headed wide late on as Leeds searched for an equaliser, but a goal was to remain elusive.
Leeds could have put daylight between themselves and the bottom three after West Ham's defeat at Liverpool earlier on Saturday, but they remain six points outside the drop zone.
Leeds 0-1 Man City: What Riemer and Gruev saidpublished at 20:04 GMT 28 February
20:04 GMT 28 February
Media caption,
Eddie Riemer speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I just had a short chat [with Daniel Farke]. Six minutes added time, they were time wasting and there were incidents; the goalkeeper keeping the ball so he was emotional in terms of going on the pitch and asking. Maybe he did it in a too aggressive manner I would think. I am disappointed because he's never a manager who's over aggressive or over reacting. I think it's a very harsh decision.
On the performance today: "I'm completely pleased with performance. There are parts you need to suffer and wait but we pushed City all the way, I'm completely proud of the boys it's just a shame we didn't get anything out of the game.
"I'm disappointed we didn't score but that's football. Playing City, not many teams have many more chances than we did. Fair play to them. They overloaded the left side, good run, good finish."
Leeds United defender Ilia Gruev, speaking to Sky Sports: "Really frustrating. I think it was a great atmosphere and a great game from our side. The first 20-25 minutes we're so on to them. Disappointing because I thought we played a really good game today.
"This was the time and we had two three great chances. You have to score at least one.
"When you play against City they normally have more of the ball than you, but you know you have your moments then you can win some balls."
On the ending: "Emotions, they want to win, but we also want to win. It was ana exhausting game - emotions involved and this is quite normal."
Did you know?
Following his goal there for Bournemouth in September, Antoine Semenyo became just the second player to score at Elland Road for two different teams in a single Premier League season after Robbie Keane in 2002-03 (for Leeds United and Tottenham).
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Liverpool v West Ham" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Everton", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Leeds v Man Citypublished at 11:18 GMT 28 February
11:18 GMT 28 February
This will be a great game. I was at Etihad Stadium when these two teams met in November, and it was a real turning point in Leeds' season.
City were 2-0 up at half-time but Leeds boss Daniel Farke put Dominic Calvert-Lewin on and had a real go.
They fought back to 2-2 and although they still lost to a last-gasp Phil Foden goal, that performance transformed them - they've been a different team in recent weeks compared with the way they started the season.
This is the sort of game where, if you are a City fan, you are thinking we have to go to Elland Road and win if we are going to win the title.
Leaders Arsenal did exactly that a few weeks ago, and blew Leeds away.
Can City do the same? I am not sure - especially if we class this Saturday evening kick-off as a night game, because Leeds' record in those under Farke is extraordinary - out of 21 so far, they have won 18 and drawn three.
It's hard to call, so this was one of the games where I was thinking: "What would Einstein say?"
He was better at physics than he was at predictions, but I reckon he would have calculated that the floodlights will inspire Leeds again - but City will still come out on top.
So, my theory is that City will win. They don't have the same control in midfield any more, but they have so much firepower - as well as Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush and Antoine Semenyo are both in good form.
Haaland is not exactly playing a different role now, but he is showing what an intelligent footballer he is. I don't see Leeds keeping them out.
Leeds v Man City: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:44 GMT 27 February
19:44 GMT 27 February
Paul Birch BBC Sport journalist
Title-chasing Manchester City have a difficult match at Leeds as they hunt for a win to put the pressure back on rivals Arsenal. BBC Sport looks at the key themes going into the game at Elland Road.
Manchester City's title credentials face the sternest of tests as they take on one of the trickiest trips in the Premier League - Elland Road under the lights.
Pep Guardiola's advice to his City players after securing a hard-fought win over Newcastle last Saturday was to unwind with caipirinha and daiquiri cocktails and "enjoy life".
However, any relaxation they felt on their days off will be quickly shaken out of them the moment they step out to a wall of noise on Saturday.
As one of the most atmospheric stadiums in the Premier League, Leeds fans make Elland Road as intimidating as possible for opposition players, particularly at night.
They have not lost any of their past 25 league or play-off matches at home that kicked off after 5pm for nearly three years, since a 6-1 defeat by Liverpool in April 2023.
Their home record this season has seen them lose just three of 13 league games, with two of those against the other sides making up the top three with City in Arsenal and Aston Villa.
Daniel Farke's side are on a run of just two defeats in 14 league games, but eight of those have ended in draws. The Leeds boss will be keen to turn one point into three given how fierce the relegation battle is set to be. They are currently six points clear of the bottom three with 11 games to go.
It has taken Farke's side 11 fewer games to match their points tally from their last Premier League season of 31, which resulted in relegation. Getting over the magical 40-point mark looks set to be the minimum requirement to survive this time round.
One omen for Leeds fans: Manchester City have only conceded two or more goals in three of their past 52 Premier League games against newly promoted teams - however, two were against Leeds (Leeds won 2-1 in April 2021, City won 3-2 in November 2025), while the other was against Farke's Norwich in September 2019 (City lost 3-2).
City looking to put pressure back on Arsenal
Manchester City can at least draw on the fact they have won their past two matches at Elland Road. They last secured a trio of victories there on their opening three visits between 1924 and 1928.
With this game coming a day before leaders Arsenal play Chelsea at home, Guardiola's side know they can ramp up the pressure on the Gunners with a win, something they have been good at doing of late.
Their only defeat in their past 14 Premier League games when playing the day before Arsenal (W10, D3) was a 2-1 loss at Newcastle earlier this season.
City's talisman Erling Haaland speaks affectionally about Leeds, but showed the city of his birth zero mercy on his only previous visit there with a brace. He could become the first visiting player to score two or more goals in consecutive Premier League matches at Elland Road.
'Bright lights and hangovers surely aren't the perfect mix'published at 08:08 GMT 27 February
08:08 GMT 27 February
Jonathan Buchan Sports Editor BBC Radio Leeds
Media caption,
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the type of player who thrives under the spotlight, with no lights brighter than those at Elland Road for a Premier League night game.
Everton,West Ham, Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest have all been beaten under the glare of the towering floodlights this season. It has always been a special place for a night game, from epic Champions League fixtures through to the modern day. There is no doubt the atmosphere created by the North and South Stands in particular impact those in white, and their opponents.
When I spoke to a very relaxed DCL and James Justin at the club's training ground this week, the mention of Elland Road under the lights brought a smile to both of their faces.
The former Everton man has scored four goals in those aforementioned games. Our conversation of course included an England angle, with the 28 year old admitting he is yet to receive a call from Thomas Tuchel, but his phone remains on.
Adding to his tally of 10 this weekend, against the second best defence in the division, would be some feat and would surely only increase the calls for international recognition.
It also wouldn't be the biggest shock if he did find the back of the net with it being a 5:30pm kick off and a fixture played under the intensity of those Elland Road lights.
City's players were given time off to have "a lot of caipirinhas and daiquiris" this week according to manager Pep Guardiola.
Bright lights and hangovers surely aren't the perfect mix!
Farke on team news, Elland Road spirit and Man Citypublished at 14:21 GMT 26 February
14:21 GMT 26 February
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Manchester City at Elland Road (kick-off 17:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson "has recovered" so is available for Saturday's match and only Noah Okafor (hamstring) remains sidelined.
He said his players "are ready and available and in a good mood and want to play".
On facing Manchester City: "It's a big challenge for us and a big task but it's one we are looking forward to. They are in red-hot form and we have an underdog role - we have to take it."
He said there aren't too many differences to his side since the two teams last met in November but "to give one of the best teams in the world a proper go was good for belief".
On what they can do to disrupt City: "We need an excellent day to be successful. We know about our home form, and what we have done to Elland Road, but we also have to be realistic. We have to make sure we go over the line [of expectation] in our physical output, spirit and mentality."
More from Farke: "We have to be spot-on with our game plan, super effective in both boxes and then we are perhaps able to make a tight game out of this. We have shown several times this season that we can deliver convincing performances and make something out of tight games."
He added that "everyone will need to chip in" and "we will need our supporters to carry us so we need an atmosphere second to none".
He said if they have all of that then they "have the chance to create a chapter in Leeds United's history, but for that to be realistic we all need to go over the line [of expectation]".
Image source, Getty Images
