Leeds United’s dramatic 2-2 draw against Swansea City was another painful reminder of how fragile their grip on promotion is. Conceding a 96th-minute equaliser at Elland Road, especially after leading in the 86th minute, is the kind of result that leaves fans frustrated and rival supporters laughing. It’s also a result that could have massive implications in the race for automatic promotion, with Sheffield United still leading the pack and no room for error in the final stretch of the season.
One of the biggest talking points from the match—and arguably the biggest concern for Leeds right now—is Illan Meslier’s performance. Once again, the French goalkeeper is under fire for his role in the team dropping points. This isn’t a new issue. While Meslier has been a key figure for Leeds over the years, his inconsistencies and costly errors have been an ongoing problem. At a time when Leeds need a reliable presence between the posts, his inability to command his area or make crucial saves has raised serious doubts about whether he should remain the first-choice goalkeeper.
Leeds fans don’t need reminding of how cruel the Championship can be. Last season’s collapse is still fresh in the memory. After looking set for automatic promotion for much of the campaign, they lost their grip on the top two and then fell apart in the playoffs, losing to Southampton in the final. The fear of history repeating itself is creeping in again, and it’s no surprise that rival supporters are relishing the moment.
A perfect example of this came on talkSPORT, where Joy Division’s Love Will Tear Us Apart was played—something that has become a mocking anthem directed at Leeds whenever things start to go wrong. However, to their credit, Jeff Stelling and Ally McCoist refused to pile on, immediately distancing themselves from the joke. “We’d both like to dissociate ourselves with the piece of music that is playing at the moment,” Stelling said, with McCoist agreeing 100%. It was a rare moment of restraint from a station that usually doesn’t hold back when it comes to football banter.
But that doesn’t change the reality of the situation. Leeds are once again at risk of throwing away a golden opportunity. Sitting second in the table should be a position of strength, but with the way they are dropping points, the pressure is only intensifying. Sheffield United remain ahead of them, and other promotion hopefuls are waiting for any slip-up to pounce. The mental aspect of this run-in cannot be underestimated—Leeds must shake off their demons and prove they have the mentality to see the job through.
Daniel Farke now faces one of the biggest challenges of his managerial career. With matches against Luton Town and Middlesbrough coming up, Leeds simply have to respond with wins. If they fail to take maximum points, their place in the top two could be at serious risk. The Championship is unforgiving, and once momentum swings in the wrong direction, it can be incredibly difficult to recover. Leeds cannot afford to let that happen.
The squad at Farke’s disposal is one of the best in the league. Players like Wilfried Gnonto, Crysencio Summerville, and Georginio Rutter have the attacking quality to win games on their own. But that means nothing if defensive lapses and goalkeeping errors continue to cost the team. The decision on whether to stick with Meslier or give someone else a chance could be the defining moment of the season.
Gnonto’s goal against Swansea was a welcome positive, but Leeds need more than individual moments—they need consistency, composure, and leadership. The next few weeks will define not just this season, but also the future of the club. If they secure automatic promotion, they can begin planning for a return to the Premier League. But if they fail again, the consequences could be severe. Another year in the Championship would be disastrous, both financially and in terms of squad morale. It could also spell the end for Farke, who knows full well that promotion is the only acceptable outcome.
Leeds United have been here before, and they know how cruel this league can be. They have to prove that this time will be different. If they don’t, the sound of Love Will Tear Us Apart will only grow louder, and Leeds will once again be left wondering what went wrong.