When Jesse Marsch was hired to revitalize a struggling Leeds United earlier this year, the Ted Lasso comparisons were everywhere, British media members incapable of treating Marsch like his own man. Now, Leeds’ American coach can separate himself from the TV manager.
In his first season, Ted Lasso’s fictional AFC Richmond was relegated. In his first season, Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United survived.
Marsch and Leeds saved themselves from relegation on the final day of the season with a 2-1 win over Brentford alongside Burnley’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday. Leeds needed to better Burnley’s result, so Marsch can thank the Magpies for preventing Burnley from winning to ensure the Peacocks’ survival.
WE ARE STAYING UP!!! pic.twitter.com/ApxMFL9s0H
— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 22, 2022
Survival was secured when former NYCFC winger Jack Harrison scored a 94th-minute winner. Though the goal wasn’t necessary in the end as Newcastle held off Burnley, it kicked off wild celebrations from Leeds players, coaches and fans.
THE GOAL THAT KEEPS LEEDS UNITED IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE! #BRELEE | #ChampionshipSunday | #MyPLMorning pic.twitter.com/RzWFAhECJD
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) May 22, 2022
Jesse Marsch and Leeds with a toast to staying in the Premier League.
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) May 22, 2022
The day started well for Leeds, albeit not on the Brentford pitch. Callum Wilson gave Newcastle the lead from the spot in the 20th minute.
NEWCASTLE IN FRONT! Callum Wilson buries the penalty to give Newcastle United the 1-0 lead.
As things stand, Leeds are safe and Burnley would be relegated.@GolfChannel and @peacockTV #BURNEW | #ChampionshipSunday | #MyPLMorning pic.twitter.com/ouGo2EoKMQ
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) May 22, 2022
Then Leeds took the lead against Brentford, also from the spot, with Raphinha converting the penalty that inched Marsch toward survival.
RAPHINHA! He scores the penalty kick to give Leeds the 1-0 lead.
Leeds now hold a 3-point lead over Burnley.: @peacockTV #ChampionshipSunday | #MyPLMorning pic.twitter.com/0zl7E3XM6m
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) May 22, 2022
Wilson scored a second to put Newcastle United up 2-0, but Maxwel Cornet pulled one back in the 69th minute. Soon after, Sergi Canós equalized for Brentford, only to get sent off two minutes later.
Burnley couldn’t complete a comeback and Harrison scored late for Leeds to confirm relegation for the Clarets.
Burnley are heading down to the Championship while Jesse Marsch and Leeds are staying in the Premier League. #ChampionshipSunday | #MyPLMorning pic.twitter.com/0WYj4mwAuQ
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) May 22, 2022
Ted Lasso knows how Burnley feels.
With safety secured, reports began to trickle in that Leeds would soon be adding another American: RB Salzburg attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson.
Sources: With their Premier League survival, Leeds United are finalizing a deal to acquire RB Salzburg's USMNT attacker Brenden Aaronson. Deal around $30 million was previously agreed to, pending relegation. Final steps now.
Aaronson, 21, spent 18 months at Salzburg. pic.twitter.com/Bpp85jQD5x— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) May 22, 2022
Can’t wait to see what Marsch and Aaronson do next Premier League season. Maybe Ted Lasso should sign an American player too ahead of Season 3.
