Well, who saw that coming? Leeds United are one last step away from securing Premier League promotion after destroying Stoke City 6-0 on Easter Monday.
It was a massive day at Elland Road, but there were few signs of nerves and Leeds United didn’t even threaten to wilt under the weight of expectation.
Leeds have gotten good at scoring early and Joel Piroe got the party started with a double inside eight minutes. By the 20th, the striker completed his hat-trick and all but killed the game.
The goals kept coming, though, as Junior Firpo bobbled the ball home before Piroe grabbed a fourth before the break.
The goals dried up a touch in the second half, with Willy Gnonto rounding out the scoring with a rare header.
Now, if Sheffield United lose to Burnley on Saturday evening, Leeds will be promoted to the Premier League.
Here’s how the players rated in another humungous victory.
Karl Darlow – 8
Had absolutely nothing to do but remains a solid foundation for Leeds to build off.
Jayden Bogle – 10
A simply incredible performance. Tireless lightning. Jayden Bogle scored the winner against Preston and teed up the only goal against Oxford but he was even better in this game.
It was his intense pressing down the right and pinpoint pass that created the second goal, and then he teed up his fellow full-back to score before setting up the third as well.
He was rarely tested the other way, but was integral to the victory with his endless running up the flank. Sensational.
Joe Rodon – 9
Unpassable on the rare occasions Stoke tried getting forward. Ali Al-Hamadi deceived him once but otherwise didn’t get a sniff as Joe Rodon’s immense season continued. Great on the ball again, as per.
Ethan Ampadu – 8
Booked for a rash diving challenge after already taking the ball out of danger in the only mishap Leeds had all game, but led from the back and played the ball well to get moves started.
Junior Firpo – 9
Added the fourth goal and, like Bogle on the opposite side, was a constant threat.
Ao Tanaka – 8
Though he wasn’t exactly up against much in the middle of the park, it was great to see Ao Tanaka looking like his normal self again. There was little of the fatigue and sloppiness that has hurt him in recent games, with an accomplished performance that completely nullified Stoke.
Ilia Gruev – 8
Continues to improve and impress since returning to the side. Intense with his pressing, efficient on the ball and alert to any possible danger to cut out counterattacks before they even started.
Willy Gnonto – 9
This is the Willy Gnonto fans have been missing for months. He was electric on the right, constantly looking to beat his beleaguered marker and doing so on a regular basis.
He helped create two of the goals. One by helping the press and then the second with sensational dribbling, movement and determination to eventually get the ball to Piroe.
Got a much-deserved goal with an unlikely header to make it six.
Brenden Aaronson – 7.5
Finishing continues to let him down (he couldn’t even get a toe on the ball to pinch Piroe’s fourth) but was energetic and hard-working in another industrious showing.
Manor Solomon – 9
Manor Solmon wasn’t as in the limelight this time but again played a big part in a win after stepping up to be the difference maker in April. He got the ball rolling by setting up the opener, delivered a fantastic cross for the sixth, embarked on some mazy dribbles and played some lovely through balls
Joel Piroe – 10
FINALLY. After failing to score in nine games, Piroe finally returned to his clinical best in front of goal to score twice within 10 minutes. His hat-trick to go top of the Championship scoring charts was completed shortly afterwards. He then added a fourth before the break with good reflexes in the area.
He found his sharpness in front of goal at the perfect time with four well-taken finishes. The Dutchman worked hard off the ball and helped in the build-up in a complete performance.
Substitutes
Patrick Bamford – 6
Didn’t see much of the ball.
Largie Ramazani – 6
Likewise.
Isaac Schmidt – 7
Missed a chance to score but worked hard on the right.
Sam Byram – 7
Solid tackles when needed.
Harry Gray – 6
Leeds fans got one final treat with the debut of 16-year-old Harry Gray, brother of Archie and the latest in the Gray dynasty. He couldn’t hide his smile as he came on to rousing cheers and chants. Kept his cool in his brief cameo.
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