Leeds need to remain 'vigilant' after 'promising start'

Five games into the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, Leeds United (seven) and Sunderland (eight) already have a combined 15 points – three more than Southampton managed all of last season.

In fact, it is five more than the combined points total after five games of Burnley (one), Ipswich Town (three), Leicester City (three), Luton Town (one), Southampton (one) and Sheffield United (one) – the six promoted clubs who have all gone straight back down over the past two campaigns.

Aided by a spectacular Anton Stach free-kick, which we all felt was in before he struck it, Leeds' 3-1 win at Molineux was Wolves' fifth loss in their opening five games – the worst start to a Premier League season since Norwich City in 2021, who lost their opening six and finished bottom.

This evidence suggests that at least one established top-flight club could be relegated this term - but, it is important to note that Wolves had almost as poor a start 12 months ago (two points after eight games) and finished on a total of 42.

Even West Ham's poor start to the season (three points after five games) mirrors that of Crystal Palace's last year, when they did not surpass three points until their ninth game and yet still finished on a total of 53.

Injuries, Afcon, staffing changes and the January transfer window will all no doubt play a huge role in swinging the campaign for clubs in a potential relegation battle.

It has been a promising start to Leeds' top-flight return, but we must remain vigilant.

Lewis Deighton is a visual producer for the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast