Tbf, look to me like they are trying when I've watched them lately.I think Southampton will be good in the championship. Leicester are in financial trouble. 7 or 8 players out of contract (one of the reasons they aren't trying), which will save them money of course but I am not sure they can do a Burnley and go straight back up. They have borrowed money to build their new training complex and I understand they have done some financial deal relating to future finances. A Barcelona type thing but on a smaller scale. Leeds? Not sure they will do any good in the championship.
Combination of weakness at back and up front (like us), and bad luck. V's Leeds was a good example, conceded earlyish, then should have been out of sight, but couldn't score.