Leeds United are just one win away from the Championship title after defeating Bristol City 4-0 on Monday night.
It was a celebratory mood at Elland Road after Premier League promotion was secured a week ago and Leeds United matched the fans’ jubilation on the pitch.
It was an exciting and determined performance from Daniel Farke’s side, with no hint of a hangover from last week’s celebrations as they dominated the play-off chasing Bristol City.
Leeds had several great chances to go in at half-time out of sight but Ao Tanaka grabbed the only goal of the first half with a sweet back-post volley.
The high-octane attacking football continued after the break and Leeds soon doubled their lead when Willy Gnonto converted after being played through fantastically by Joel Piroe.
Largie Ramazani got a late brace after coming on off the bench to ensure that if Leeds win at Plymouth on the final day, they will be champions.
Here’s how the players rated.
Karl Darlow – 7
A quiet evening as Bristol could hardly get out of their half, let alone near the bo,x but there was one mishap as he charged out off his line and completely missed a cross, leading to one heartstopping moment.
Jayden Bogle – 8
What else is there to say about Jayden Bogle? This was yet another fantastic performance in which he doubled up as a winger and created the width for the team to flourish. Though he should have scored after just two minutes.
Joe Rodon – 8
Joe Rodon had very little to do in the match but, on the rare occasion that the visitors did venture forward, he was on hand to snuff out any danger and physically dominate the forwards.
Also, another accomplished showing with the ball at his feet and he started many of Leeds’ moves.
Ethan Ampadu – 8
Given little to do but showed good concentration to be alert to the danger after Darlow’s mistake.
Junior Firpo – 9
Created a great chance after just two minutes and was dangerous down the left all game long, with Bristol unable to cope with his constant overloading runs.
Got a well-earned assist with a perfect cross to the back post for Ramazani in what was hopefully not his last game at Elland Road.
Ao Tanaka – 9
Tanaka looks like he’s finally had the rest he needed and put in his best display in some time as a result.
Like a recharged remote control car, he buzzed around the pitch, which allowed him to dominate the midfield and hem Bristol in. His goal was also brilliant as he bravely yet deftly kept his volley low to sneak it past the onrushing goalkeeper.
Ilia Gruev – 8
Ilia Gruev’s fine form continues in the heart of midfield in another metronome-esque performance as he kept the ball ticking in the middle of the park to maintain pressure on the Robins. There were some nice, incisive forward balls, too, that split the opposing defence open and sprang the attackers forward.
Willy Gnonto – 7.5
Gnonto wasn’t as involved as his fellow forwards and made some clumsy decisions in good positions at times, most notably choosing to turn back away from goal instead of passing across to an onrushing Solomon. Yet, when a golden chance did come his way, he kept his composure and found the back of the net.
Brenden Aaronson – 8
Brenden Aaronson couldn’t have chosen a better time to have his best performance in months. The American’s place in the side has come under scrutiny ahead of a return to the Premier League and he looked as though he wanted to prove he can make the jump up.
Aaronson was energetic from the off in the middle and constantly at the heart of every Leeds attack. His link-up with Piroe and Solomon was noticeably better as he played loads of lovely one-twos and weighted passes to cut Bristol to shreds.
Given his recent struggles, this was perhaps the most impressive display of the lot.
Manor Solomon – 9
A sensational deep cross to the back post set up the opening goal and that’s now five games in a row in which Manor Solomon has scored or assisted a teammate.
His contributions in this late-season run are what have got Leeds over the line and, if this is his last game at Elland Road, it was a suitably brilliant display to end on. Unplayable as he tormented the poor full-back throughout.
Joel Piroe – 9
Piroe might not have had a hat-trick within 20 minutes in this game, but he arguably played even better.
The striker has been critised for his lack of involvement in recent weeks but here his link-up play with his fellow forwards was exceptional, with little flicks and feints bringing Leeds to life time and again.
Got the assist his display deserved with a spectacular pass to play Gnonto in for the second.
Substitutes
Patrick Bamford – 6
Didn’t see much of the ball.
Largue Ramazani – 9
An electric performance off the bench as he scored within moments of coming on and got a sensational second with a great touch and finish. What a cameo!
Josuha Guilavogui – 6
Saw the game out.
Mateo Joseph – 6
Couldn’t get a shot away after Ramazani did well to get him the ball.
Sam Byram – 6
Got a late run out.
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