Liverpool vs Leeds United: Clubs correlated by belated success
Liverpool and Leeds United face off in the opening match-day of 2020/21
New fans of both Liverpool and Leeds United may not remember when the two regularly jousted in the top flight of English football previously. I for one don’t, as I was just two years old when Leeds were relegated in 2004.
My memories of Liverpool red and Leeds white clashing horns have only come in cup competitions. The last being in 2016 when Ben Woodburn and Divock Origi disposed of Garry Monk‘s men in the League Cup.
That and another League Cup tie – a 1-0 win in 2009 – are the only two matches the two have played since Leeds’ disastrous collapse from European semi-finalists to relegation fodder. Since 2004, Leeds have gone through 15 permanent managers, including former Red and now Rangers assistant manager Gary McAllister. Ex Liverpool Women boss Neil Redfearn also was the man in charge at Elland Road during this time.
Liverpool has a rich history as does Leeds United
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They’ve been in administration and down in the third tier, with the likes of Jermaine Beckford and Luciano Becchio in their ranks. Of course, they made a swift return to the Championship with many predicting a swift return to the Premier League – but many tried and failed.
Who can forget the tenure of Massimo Cellino as the owner, who infamously sacked Dave Hockaday and Darko Milanic after six games each. All of which within the same season as well. Their spells were sandwiched between the aforementioned Redfearn’s.
The two clubs’ both have a correlation in some respects though. Both have waited so long for their respective holy grails. And 2019/20 brought them, despite COVID-19’s best efforts. Both have been bantered by opposition fans for years on end for bottling their goals, but 2019/20 brought them.
Both are clubs steeped in history with success in the 70’s and 80’s – with Leeds’ great sides tussling with Liverpool’s under Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley. The opening fixture of 2020/21 is a significant one. Not just for the result, and the three points at stake. But as recognition of two great clubs’, and their belated successes.