Leeds slipped to their fourth defeat in six games, as Daniel Farke's battered and bruised side limped over the line in third place, setting up a tense play off semi final with Norwich City. Expectations were high. Leeds home record was second to none, and Southampton had lost three on the trot conceding eight times in the process. As the game progressed, an eerie realisation that promotion had slipped through their fingers, swept through Elland Road, silencing the Elland Road faithful.

There were no such problems 100 miles down the road at the King Power Stadium, with Leicester and Blackburn Rover's fans united as one, singing their heart's out 'Leeds, Leeds are falling apart... again!' Three goals in the opening half saw Southampton end their season on a high. Leeds went behind on 18 minutes after failing to clear their lines following a well executed corner. Adams found Armstrong in acres of space at the far post, and slotted the ball past Meslier from 12 yards.

Leeds response was instantaneous. Harwood-Bellis' uncharacteristic error saw the ball fall kindly for Piroe, who blasted the ball past the despairing dive of McCarthy. Any vein hope of a Leeds revival were soon put to bed when Smallbone tapped home Walker-Peters cross from close range leaving Whites fans fuming at Junior Firpo, who had thought the ball had gone out of play!

	Line Up		Nat	Match Events
	1	Meslier, Illan Goalkeeper
	25	Byram, Sam Defender
	3	Firpo, Junior Defender
	14	Rodon, Joe Defender
	4	Ampadu, Ethan Midfielder
	8	Kamara, Glen Midfielder
	44	Gruev, Ilia Midfielder
	24	Rutter, Georginio Forward
	29	Gnonto, Wilfried Midfielder
	10	Summerville, Crysencio Midfielder
	7	Piroe, Joel Forward
	Subs		Nat	Match Events
	22	Gray, Archie Midfielder
	12	Anthony, Jaidon Midfielder
	49	Joseph, Mateo Forward
	33	Roberts, Connor Defender
	30	Gelhardt, Joe Forward
	5	Cresswell, Charlie Defender		Unused Sub
	6	Cooper, Liam Defender		Unused Sub
	17	Shackleton, Jamie Midfielder		Unused Sub
	26	Darlow, Karl Goalkeeper		Unused Sub

	References
	LEEDSTATS: Leeds United Season 2023/2024
	Sheridan Dictates: Season Statistics 2023-24
	Leeds United Programme Guide: Season 2023/24