All but safe? Leeds ease 'anxiety' - and increase pressure on others

If Leeds are able to retain their top-flight status, the majority of supporters are likely point to wins against relegation rivals Wolves , Burnley and West Ham as the defining moments of the season. But Farke is almost certain to share a different view. The 49-year-old is more likely to point to a 3-2 defeat by Manchester City in late November as the moment his side's fortunes changed - and the numbers back it up. After goals from Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol put City 2-0 up inside 25 minutes, Leeds were left fearing the worst. That was until Farke made an almighty roll of the dice, summoning Calvert-Lewin and defender Jaka Bijol from the bench to switch from a 4-3-3 to a 3-5-2. It was a tactical switch that allowed Leeds an extra man in midfield and, crucially, offered extra support to summer signing Calvert-Lewin in attack. Although Leeds saw a point snatched from their grasp when Foden scored a stoppage‑time winner, the performance - and a new tactical blueprint - offered both the club and Farke a road to redemption. Leeds bounced back from the defeat against Pep Guardiola's side by taking four points from a possible six against Chelsea and reigning champions Liverpool in the next two games. "He was under real pressure, there was a lot of talk about his job - other managers were getting touted - and you felt if he lost against Manchester City he would lose his job," said ex- Liverpool and Spurs midfielder Jamie Redknapp on Sky Sports. …