Leeds United Batter Stoke City 6-0 to Move Within Touching Distance of Premier League Return
Well, who could’ve predicted that? Leeds United are now just one result away from securing promotion back to the Premier League after dismantling Stoke City 6-0 in dominant fashion on Easter Monday.
Elland Road was buzzing with anticipation, but Daniel Farke’s men showed no sign of nerves. Leeds exploded out of the blocks, with Joel Piroe netting twice in the first eight minutes to kick off the celebrations. By the 20th minute, he had already completed his hat-trick, effectively putting the contest to bed.
The floodgates stayed open as Junior Firpo scrambled home a fourth and Piroe added another before halftime. The second half saw just one more goal — a rare headed effort from Willy Gnonto — but the damage was already well and truly done.
Should Sheffield United fall to Burnley on Saturday night, Leeds’ promotion will be confirmed.
Player Ratings from a Rout to Remember:
Karl Darlow – 8
Barely troubled but remained composed and dependable.
Jayden Bogle – 10
A phenomenal display. His relentless pressing and creative energy down the right flank produced two assists and played a key role in a third. Simply unstoppable.
Joe Rodon – 9
A rock at the back. Aside from one brief scare, Rodon was dominant and composed in possession.
Ethan Ampadu – 8
Booked for an unnecessary challenge but otherwise led with authority and launched attacks from deep.
Junior Firpo – 9
Got on the scoresheet and mirrored Bogle’s attacking threat on the left. A constant outlet.
Ao Tanaka – 8
Looked rejuvenated. Controlled midfield with ease and helped keep Stoke pinned back.
Ilia Gruev – 8
Continues to shine with sharp pressing and smart positioning. Cut out threats before they developed.
Willy Gnonto – 9
Looked back to his best. Set up two goals with electric movement and capped his performance with a headed goal. A constant menace.
Brenden Aaronson – 7.5
Lacked finishing touch but brought energy and pressed relentlessly.
Manor Solomon – 9
Instrumental once again. Assisted the first and sixth goals, and his trickery and vision caused problems all game.
Joel Piroe – 10
At long last, the striker ended his scoring drought in emphatic fashion. A hat-trick inside 20 minutes and a fourth before halftime. Clinical, confident, and involved all over the pitch.
Substitutes:
Patrick Bamford – 6
Limited impact.
Largie Ramazani – 6
Quiet after coming on.
Isaac Schmidt – 7
Missed a good chance but brought energy on the flank.
Sam Byram – 7
Defensively sound in his cameo.
Harry Gray – 6
A special moment for the 16-year-old debutant. Composed and clearly enjoyed every second of it.
Leeds now wait to see if Burnley can do them a favor — but with performances like this, it’s hard to see them missing out.
