Premier League: Leeds Storm Back to Top-Flight in Style

  • 22/04/2025 - 19:59

Elland Road erupted in celebration as Leeds United secured promotion to the Premier League with a resounding 6-0 victory over Stoke City, a performance that underscored their dominance throughout the Championship campaign.

The confirmation of their top-flight return was momentarily delayed pending Burnley's result against Sheffield United, but once assured, the jubilation was unrestrained. Central to the occasion was Joël Piroe, whose first-half quadruple—including a hat-trick inside 20 minutes—left Stoke's defence overwhelmed and cemented Leeds' place among England's elite.

The Dutch forward had faced scrutiny in recent weeks, with sections of the support advocating for Patrick Bamford's inclusion. Yet Piroe delivered a decisive response, showcasing clinical finishing and intelligent movement to dismantle Stoke.

His opener arrived in the fourth minute, a sharp first-time conversion from Manor Solomon's deft assist. Four minutes later, he demonstrated composure to shift the ball onto his right foot before doubling the advantage. By the 20th minute, he had completed his hat-trick, capitalising on a rebound from Wilfried Gnonto's effort to thunder home with his left foot. Junior Firpo added a fourth before half-time, though the afternoon belonged unequivocally to Piroe.

Manager Daniel Farke, who has now achieved promotion from the Championship for a third time, praised his striker's resilience. "Joël has shown tremendous character," he said. "After a challenging period, he has reaffirmed his importance to this team with a performance of the highest quality."


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Leeds' promotion marks the culmination of a season defined by relentless consistency. The emphatic nature of their final home victory—against a Stoke side thoroughly outmatched—served as a fitting conclusion to their campaign. Alongside Burnley, they have established themselves as the division's standout teams, with both clubs securing automatic promotion with games to spare.

For Farke and his squad, the achievement represents redemption after the disappointment of last season's near-miss in the playoffs. The scale of their progress is evident not only in their results but in the manner of their performances, blending attacking fluency with defensive solidity.

As attention turns to preparations for Premier League football, the message from Elland Road is clear: Leeds United have returned with conviction, and their ambitions extend beyond mere survival. The celebrations may continue into the night, but the work to establish themselves among the elite begins in earnest.