2000–01 Leeds United A.F.C. season


During the 2000–01 season, Leeds United F.C. competed in the FA Premier League.

Season summary

Having qualified for the champions league in his first full season as manager David O'Leary begun to spend big, French midfielder Olivier Dacourt was signed for a club record of 7 million along with striker Mark Viduka from Celtic and defender Dominic Matteo from Liverpool. Despite the outlay, Leeds were hampered with huge injury problems before the season had even begun, after back-to-back wins over Everton and Middlesbrough it was soon clear that playing in the Champions League and Premiership with a young squad that was hampered with injuries would take its toll; consequently Leeds form suffered at home quickly falling out of any title race. Despite this, they won memorial games against AC Milan and Besitktas soon progressing to the second round of the champions league against all odds, in the run up to Christmas manager David O'Leary finally landed defender Rio Ferdinand from West Ham for a then world record fee of £18 million for a defender. A win at Lazio in the Champions League then gave Leeds hope of qualifying for the quarter finals but in the Premier League, Leeds' form was falling away, after straight losses to Aston Villa and Newcastle Leeds were falling worryingly close to the relegation zone. Striker Robbie Keane was then signed on loan from Inter Milan and this, combined with a 4-0 win over Manchester City marked a turning point for Leeds and with key players including David Batty and Harry Kewell returning from injury Leeds began charging up the table with Robbie Keane in great scoring form. Leeds then qualified for the quarter final of the Champions League with more positive results, including a win against Belgian side Anderlecht, and after a 2-0 win over Sunderland Leeds were back in the top 3. Days later a win over Deportivo La Coruña saw Leeds reach the semi final of the Champions League but their cup run finally came to an end against Spanish giants Valencia who beat Leeds 3-0. Domestically, Leeds were ending the season in good form but a 2-1 loss to Arsenal would mean Leeds ended the season finishing 4th. Despite a disappointing finish to the season Leeds had enjoyed one of the greatest seasons in their history, and the club and its fans were hopeful of a league title challenge the next year.

Final league table

;Results summary
;Results by round

Results

Premier League

FA Cup

League Cup

UEFA Champions League

Qualifying

First group stage

Second group stage

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

First-team squad

Left club during season

Reserve squad

Youth team

Appearances, goals and cards

Transfers

In

†Club record transfer fee at the time.
‡Current club record transfer fee.

Out