Leeds United and Burnley sealed their return to the Premier League on Monday, capitalizing on Sheffield United’s stumble to clinch automatic promotion from the Championship.
Leeds, who were last in the top flight in the 2022/23 season, stormed to a commanding 6-0 victory over Stoke City at Elland Road, with Joel Piroe stealing the show by scoring four goals. Their promotion was confirmed later in the evening when Sheffield United failed to overcome Burnley.
Burnley, managed by Scott Parker, earned a 2-1 win over Sheffield United at Turf Moor. Captain Josh Brownhill netted both goals, securing an immediate return to the top division for the Clarets after just one season away.
Both Leeds and Burnley now sit on 94 points — out of reach for third-placed Sheffield United, who trail with 86 points and have managed just one win in their last five matches.
Leeds, still stung by last year’s play-off final defeat to Southampton, dominated from the outset against Stoke. Dutch striker Piroe ended his goal drought in spectacular fashion, completing a hat-trick within 20 minutes and adding a fourth before halftime. Junior Firpo and Wilfried Gnonto also found the net to round out the rout.
Manager Daniel Farke, who previously led Norwich in the Premier League, praised his side’s mental toughness and resilience under pressure.
“To deliver such an emphatic performance in a high-pressure situation is outstanding. All credit goes to the players for their spirit and effort in recent weeks,” Farke told the BBC. He likened Piroe’s explosive return to form to “shaking a bottle of ketchup — once it comes out, it all comes at once.”
Leeds had looked shaky in early March, winning just once in six games, sparking fears of another play-off campaign. However, they’ve now strung together four consecutive wins and lead the Championship in goals scored, with 89.
Burnley, in contrast, have built their promotion push on a rock-solid defence, conceding just 15 goals all season. Brownhill’s opener came in the 28th minute, but Sheffield United equalized through Tom Cannon shortly after. Brownhill restored Burnley’s lead with a penalty before halftime — a lead they held until the final whistle.
Celebrations broke out at both Turf Moor and Elland Road, with Burnley’s players jubilant on the pitch and Leeds watching in delight.
Elsewhere in the Championship, bottom-side Plymouth kept their survival hopes alive thanks to a 3-1 win over sixth-placed Coventry, with Mustapha Bundu scoring twice. Derby and Luton also grabbed crucial 3-1 victories in their fight against relegation, while Portsmouth secured safety with a 1-0 win over 10-man Watford.
Middlesbrough’s play-off aspirations took a hit following a 2-1 loss away to Sheffield Wednesday.
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