Leeds United Closing in on Fairytale Premier League Return After Years of Heartbreak

They cannot blow it from here. They just can't.

Leeds United, their own worst enemies for the past 20 years, are on the brink of redemption. The fairytale which has threatened to reach its happy ending for years on end, only to be heartbreakingly ripped away at the final hurdle, looks set to earn its 'happily ever after'.

Before kick-off on Saturday afternoon, Leeds supporters were bracing themselves for that familiar sinking feeling which has greeted them at the finale of most seasons. The Whites suffered a major setback last week, stumbling out of the blocks in the Championship's returning clash with Cardiff City, leaving everyone fearing the worst.

Marcelo Bielsa's men lost 2-0 in Wales, and for the desperate fans, it was as if football had never been away. Dominate possession -check. Squander simple chances - check. Concede against the run of play - check. Battle to get back into the game but ultimately gift a killer blow - check, check, and check.

So, with Brentford narrowing the gap to five points with a huge 1-0 win over then-top of the league West Brom on Friday evening, Leeds knew they couldn't afford a slip up against fourth-place Fulham at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon.

But when Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips and co were asked to stand up and be counted, thankfully, they responded in emphatic fashion. Fulham - not in great shape themselves - were a goal behind inside 10 minutes, when Patrick Bamford made up for his disappointing display against Cardiff, cooly slotting home from the edge of the penalty area.

It was exactly the start Bielsa's side needed, as their kryptonite in recent weeks has been the self-imploding nerves which typically follow a string of missed chances. It was a vintage display from Leeds, who doubled their advantage ten minutes into the second half, countering from a Fulham corner for Gjanni Alioski to convert.

And these massive three points were sealed by winger Jack Harrison, who latched onto a dreamy ball over the top by the returning Pablo Hernandez to put the icing on the cake. It was exactly the sort of performance that the Whites needed to deliver, and one which has opened up a cushty eight-point gap over third-place Brentford.

Whisper it quietly, but the Premier League is in touching distance. Leeds face a kind run-in for the final seven matches, taking on four relegation-threatened outfits, and needing to travel away from Elland Road on only three more occasions.

With West Brom stuttering and landing in the Bees' crosshairs, the Whites boast a wonderful opportunity to blast away from the chasing pack, and never look back.

Bielsa has worked wonders since arriving in Yorkshire two years ago, but much-maligned in other parts of the world as a 'nearly man', he is set to pull off the ultimate magic trick - saving Leeds from themselves.

The sleeping giants are sorely missed in the Premier League - maybe not by some sections of the division - but they undoubtedly should be part of the furniture in England's top flight. And they boast a squad filled with players deserving of joining the elite, and a manager who will go down in history as the club's very own Messiah.

With seven games to play, an eight-point advantage and a group of stars ready to write their names into the history books, there are only three words missing from Bielsa and Leeds' glorious adventure.

Happily ever after. They're coming, too.