Leeds on brink of Premier League return after Piroe's four-goal show

Leeds close in on promotion after 6-0 rout of Stoke, with Sheffield United facing must-win clash.

Leeds United fans celebrate their promotion to the Premier League outside Elland Road after the Sky Bet Championship match in Leeds on April 21, 2025. Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Leeds are on the verge of sealing their return to the Premier League following a ruthless 6-0 thrashing of Stoke City at Elland Road on Monday, powered by a sensational four-goal performance from Joel Piroe. The result places Leeds in prime position for automatic promotion, with their Premier League fate potentially sealed if Sheffield United fail to win later today at Burnley.

The dominant win not only underlines Leeds’ title credentials but also emphasizes the remarkable turnaround the Yorkshire club has experienced under manager Daniel Farke. Having suffered heartbreak in the Championship play-off final last season at the hands of Southampton, Leeds are now on the cusp of reclaiming their place in English football’s top flight.

Piroe breaks goal drought in style

Dutch forward Joel Piroe, who had not scored since late February, silenced critics in emphatic fashion, netting a hat-trick within 20 minutes before adding a fourth goal just before halftime. The clinical display ended his barren run and reaffirmed his role as Leeds’ leading scorer this season.

“It’s the fate of a striker to go through dry spells,” said Farke after the match. “Joel has worked incredibly hard during this period. Today, everything clicked for him. Sometimes it’s like shaking a ketchup bottle — nothing comes out, then suddenly everything does.”

The quick-fire hat-trick and his added fourth goal before the break ensured that Stoke, who have been battling inconsistency all season, never stood a chance. Junior Firpo added a fourth before Piroe struck again, and Wilfried Gnonto capped off the demolition with a headed goal in the 59th minute.

Fans celebrate, but promotion not confirmed yet

The atmosphere at Elland Road was electric, with jubilant fans celebrating what many now see as inevitable: Leeds Premier League promotion. However, celebrations were tempered slightly by the reality that promotion isn't mathematically guaranteed yet. All eyes will now turn to Burnley, where second-placed Sheffield United must beat the league leaders to keep the race alive.

Should Sheffield United fail to win, Leeds will officially clinch promotion alongside Burnley. Leeds' recent form suggests they are peaking at the right time, having now won four consecutive league matches after a shaky start to March in which they managed just one win in six outings.

Leeds bounce back after earlier slump

Concerns had grown earlier in the month that Leeds might falter again, potentially ending up in the play-offs for a second consecutive year. But Farke’s side rallied in style, showing grit and attacking flair in recent performances to catapult themselves back into the top two.

The German manager, who previously led Norwich City to Premier League promotion, has clearly instilled confidence and unity in the squad.

“To deliver such an emphatic performance is really amazing,” Farke said. “All credit to the boys for how they’ve handled the pressure and the spirit they’ve shown in recent weeks.”

With Farke’s experience and a squad that has responded well to adversity, Leeds look far more composed and mature compared to their campaign last year.

A return to where they believe they belong

Leeds, three-time champions of England, were last in the Premier League during the 2022/23 season. Their absence from the top tier has always felt temporary to their passionate fanbase, who have long viewed their club as part of the Premier League’s traditional fabric.

Their last attempt to bounce back ended in tears at Wembley, but this year’s campaign tells a different story. Leeds have displayed more consistency, depth, and goal-scoring prowess — especially evident in Monday’s performance.

If the promotion is confirmed today, it will mark a significant achievement for a club that has endured years of instability and near misses. It also signals a return to the kind of football that has long defined Leeds United — bold, relentless, and unapologetically attacking.

Around the Championship: Relegation and play-off drama

While Leeds prepare for Premier League celebrations, the rest of the Championship is still embroiled in battles at both ends of the table.

Mustapha Bundu scored twice to keep Plymouth’s slim hopes of avoiding relegation alive in a surprise 3-1 win over sixth-placed Coventry. It was a crucial result for the bottom-placed side, who now cling to survival hopes heading into the season’s final stretch.

Elsewhere, Derby and Luton also earned vital 3-1 victories, boosting their bids to stay afloat. Portsmouth confirmed their safety with a narrow 1-0 win against a 10-man Watford side.

In the play-off race, Middlesbrough suffered a significant blow with a 2-1 loss at Sheffield Wednesday, denting their late-season hopes of climbing into the top six. With only a few matches remaining, the margins for error are razor-thin for clubs chasing a place in the play-offs.

Sheffield United under pressure

The final twist in the day’s drama hinges on Sheffield United’s visit to Burnley. Chris Wilder’s side have managed just one win in their past four matches, and form is not on their side as they head into the crucial clash. Burnley, who top the Championship, will look to confirm their promotion status with a win — potentially alongside Leeds — while putting the final nail in Sheffield United’s hopes of catching them.

A win for Burnley will secure their return to the Premier League and, if Sheffield United fail to get all three points, Leeds will join them automatically — making today potentially decisive in shaping next season’s Premier League lineup.

What’s next for Leeds?

Should promotion be confirmed, Leeds’ focus will quickly shift to preparing for Premier League football. The club will likely need to bolster their squad to ensure they can compete effectively next season. Piroe’s resurgence will be key, as will the continued development of young talents like Gnonto and the stability Farke brings from the dugout.

But for now, the champagne remains on ice — at least until Burnley and Sheffield United wrap up their clash. One thing is certain: Leeds have done their part, and Premier League football may well be returning to Elland Road.