In Your Head

Another reminder, yet again, of how much of elite sport is won and lost in the head.

Then

Leeds United utterly crumbled under pressure last year. As their lead wore away to 3 points. Needing 7 points from their last 3 games, they got only 1.

While trying to keep a grasp on their last hope, a calamitous 20 minutes saw to it that all was lost.

And now

This year could so easily have gone the same way but for a few moments relieving the pressure.

And then, when others cracked to hand them the prize on their day off, they romped home with ease, winning the league by 10 points, leaving 3 other teams to fight for 2nd spot.

Those 3 sides, all needing to win against inferior opposition. All failed. Meaning the side that came 2nd did so by virtue of the other teams choking in the moment even moreso than they did.

Pressure is a funny thing.