Premiership: We will be back, warns O'Leary

David O'Leary has warned the critics to write off Leeds at their peril despite his side crashing to their worst defeat at Elland Road for almost two years.

Leeds were humbled 0-4 yesterday by a resurgent Liverpool side who have now won their last three Barclaycard Premiership matches to lie just two points off the pace set by leaders Manchester United.

In stark contrast, Leeds are currently languishing in sixth and are nine adrift of Sir Alex Ferguson’s side after a woeful four-match run against their fellow title and Champions League rivals in which they have collected one miserable point.

More importantly, Leeds are six points behind the highly-coveted fourth place which this season for the first time carries with it the guarantee of playing alongside the European elite.

Champions League football has been O’Leary’s season-long stated aim, but Leeds are struggling to even claim a place in the UEFA Cup - such is their current wretched form.

The next six matches - Middlesbrough, Charlton, Everton, Ipswich, Blackburn and Leicester will more than likely determine where Leeds will finish this season.

O’Leary knows just how crucial they are as he said: ‘‘We’ve a lot of games coming up which will be tough. But they’re all winnable, so we shouldn’t be written off.

‘‘This time last season we were in a diabolical position, and yet look where we finished. We remember that.

‘‘But of course I’m concerned we’re not going to be in the Champions League next season. We’re making life very hard for ourselves, but as I say there’s lots of games left and a lot of points to play for.’’

O’Leary is talking a brave game, but Leeds’ situation is set to get worse before it gets any better thanks to the mounting suspension problems they face.

Alan Smith and Danny Mills are currently serving bans. The latter faces a Football Association hearing on Tuesday alongside Lee Bowyer, the outcome of which could further add to O’Leary’s woes - while Mark Viduka also has a case pending.

Injuries to Jonathan Woodgate and Seth Johnson further undermined the cause last week, leading to the hurried return of Olivier Dacourt yesterday only for the French ace to pick up a calf injury which makes him doubtful for Saturday’s clash with Boro.

‘‘I think we need our luck to change and we need some of our personnel back and to be fully fit when they do come back,’’ added O’Leary.

‘‘We’re losing too many people, big-name players you need when you play these big games. It means I can’t freshen things up.

‘‘Look at Liverpool. They rested a number of players for their midweek game against Leicester who then played against us.

‘‘Of course, we also need to start playing better - while we can’t afford to give stupid goals away either like we did against Liverpool.’’

O’Leary berated his defence as first captain Rio Ferdinand set Liverpool on their way by turning into his own goal a Danny Murphy touchline free-kick in the 16th minute.

Emile Heskey then plundered two in three minutes just after the hour, taking his tally to three in his last two matches after a woeful run of just one in his previous 34 appearances for club and country.

His performance overshadowed that of Robbie Fowler, around whom the pre-match hype surrounded because it was just two months ago he joined Leeds from the Reds for £11m.

Michael Owen then headed his 20th goal of the season on the stroke of full time to complete the rout and leave caretaker manager Phil Thompson purring with delight about the strike pairing he feels can serve England well at the World Cup.

‘‘I keep having to champion Emile’s cause. But I shouldn’t have to if people knew football a bit better,’’ said Thompson.

‘‘Emile has been outstanding for us. Even when we went top of the league and he wasn’t scoring goals he played an exceptional part in our triumphs.

‘‘He deserved his goals today, as did Michael. Their link-up play was very, very good, and they caused all sorts of problems for Rio (Ferdinand) and Dominic (Matteo).

‘‘So I honestly don’t see any problem with Emile and Michael playing together for England.

‘‘There will obviously be other contenders. But they have played together for a long time at Liverpool and they link up well. I think that could tip the balance in their favour.’’

Even so O’Leary still does not believe Liverpool will win the title.

He said: ‘‘I’ve been asked about it many times and I still stand by the fact that the two teams who can win it are Manchester United and Arsenal.’’