Leeds United sealed their return to the Premier League in sensational fashion with a dominant 6-0 win over Stoke City at Elland Road, capped by a Joel Piroe first-half hat-trick.
The Whites later had their promotion confirmed when Burnley defeated third-placed Sheffield United, sparking celebrations in West Yorkshire after a ruthless afternoon’s work.
First-Half Blitz Stuns Stoke
Daniel Farke’s side came flying out of the blocks, punishing Stoke’s defensive errors from the outset. Piroe broke his nine-match scoring drought just six minutes in, calmly finishing after a poor turnover by the visitors.
Two minutes later, Leeds were celebrating again as Jayden Bogle’s interception allowed Piroe to tap home his second. The Dutch striker completed his hat-trick after 19 minutes, rifling in from an angle following a rebound.
Junior Firpo made it four when he bundled home a loose ball, and Piroe added his fourth and Leeds’ fifth before the break, profiting from more woeful Stoke defending.
Farke said: “It’s a bit like shaking a bottle of ketchup, all of a sudden everything comes out and that was a bit the case today.”
Leeds Celebrate In Style
The second half was a calmer affair but Leeds still added to the scoreline. Willy Gnonto headed home unmarked from a Manor Solomon cross to make it 6-0 and complete the rout.
Farke took the opportunity to give a debut to 16-year-old Harry Gray, a special moment for the teenager from a famous footballing family, highlighting the club’s commitment to youth development.
For Stoke City, it was an afternoon to forget. Unbeaten in their previous five matches, Mark Robins’ side collapsed under the pressure, leaving them just three points clear of the relegation zone with two matches remaining.
Robins criticised his players for being “fearful” and failing to cope with Leeds’ intensity. They now face a crucial clash with Sheffield United as they seek to secure their Championship status.
Site Opinion
Leeds United’s emphatic win over Stoke City was the perfect finale to their promotion push. Joel Piroe’s hat-trick underlined his class, while the team’s collective hunger showcased why they fully deserve their return to the Premier League. Stoke City, meanwhile, must quickly regroup. Their survival hopes remain in their own hands, but they cannot afford another performance as timid as this in the season’s final days.
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