Leeds United secure Premier League return after thrashing Stoke
Leeds United produced a performance worthy of promotion, dismantling Stoke City 6-0 at Elland Road to confirm their long-awaited return to the Premier League.
Sports News Blitz writer Niall Togher reports on Daniel Farke’s tactical brilliance and Joel Piroe’s four-goal masterclass, noting how Leeds’ explosive form sets a thrilling tone for next season.
Farke’s ruthless Whites make statement
Leeds United secured their Premier League return after emphatically thrashing Stoke City.
Four goals from Joel Piroe and a rather fortunate finish from Junior Firpo saw the Whites race into a 5-0 lead before halftime.
Willy Gnonto added the second half's only goal with a well-timed header as United understandably took their foot off the gas.
Leeds had done their bit, then all eyes turned to Turf Moor, where Burnley hosted Sheffield United, and anything other than a win for the Blades would see Leeds promoted.
A brace from Josh Brownhill, either side of a Tom Cannon equaliser, was enough to secure three points for The Clarets, and they also secured their promotion after condemning Sheffield United to the playoffs.
Piroe ends goal drought in spectacular fashion
After being goalless in his previous nine outings, Joel Piroe was back on the scoresheet in a fashion that he wouldn’t have even dreamt about before kick-off.
Yesterday’s game was Piroe at his absolute best as the Dutchman was able to showcase his qualities.
Piroe’s first two goals came from low crosses cut back to him, and he was either able to find the bottom corner first time or take a touch before doing so.
Piroe’s third goal displayed his poaching instincts at the back post, and despite looking easy, the finish was deceptively hard as he had to lift the ball over the outstretched leg of the defender on the line.
His fourth goal was just a case of being in the right place at the right time in the box, as Piroe was able to bundle the ball over the line after reacting first to Jayden Bogle’s shot that cannoned off the post.
Despite his tendency to drift out of games and poor physical presence when leading the line as a striker, Joel Piroe’s finishing abilities in the box and just outside it will make him an asset to Leeds next season in the Premier League.
He may lack the athleticism to start games next season, but with a proper striker in front of him to stretch the pitch and afford him more space, Piroe can most certainly still contribute for Leeds next season, either leading the line or tucking in just behind.
Another vintage Leeds performance under Farke
Writing about most games at Elland Road under Daniel Farke has been very similar and is a testament to the good work Farke has done.
Leeds often explode out of the gates and take an early lead, limit the opposition to minimal chances, and look like they could have scored five or six.
Yesterday was just one of those days where Leeds actually scored six.
This level of dominance is something that has not happened in this club’s history before and perhaps is only an achievement we’ll really realise the enormity of in years to come.
To follow up a 90-point season with at least 94 points this season, with still two games to go, is something the club won’t replicate for many years to come.
Farke has been questioned at points during his tenure and rightly so.
Whether you think he is the right man to lead Leeds United in the Premier League or not, his ability to implement such a dominant playing style with so much control has been something special to see for Leeds fans.
Last home game of the season
Up next for Leeds is a game against Bristol City, who are hoping to secure their place in the playoffs.
With Burnley and Leeds still level on points, the league title is still up for grabs, and although it is just a very small cherry on top of a big promotion cake, it is an accolade that this Leeds United team absolutely deserve.
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