Leeds United and Burnley have officially booked their place in the Premier League after both sides clinched crucial wins and watched promotion rivals Sheffield United drop vital points. Monday’s results marked a decisive moment in the Championship title race, sealing automatic promotion for Leeds and Burnley, leaving Sheffield United to face the play-offs.
Leeds United, absent from the Premier League since the 2022/23 season, produced a ruthless display at Elland Road, thrashing Stoke City 6-0. Dutch striker Joel Piroe was the standout performer, breaking his goal drought in emphatic style with four goals, including a hat-trick within the opening 20 minutes. Junior Firpo added another before Piroe struck again before the break. Wilfried Gnonto completed the scoring in the second half.
After their dominant win, Leeds’ fate rested on the outcome of Sheffield United’s match later in the evening. A Burnley win or draw would be enough to send Leeds back to the top flight. And that’s exactly what happened.
Burnley, managed by Scott Parker, delivered a composed performance at Turf Moor against a determined Sheffield United side. Captain Josh Brownhill led by example, scoring twice — once from open play and again from the penalty spot — in a 2-1 win. The victory not only secured Burnley’s return to the Premier League but also ended Sheffield’s hopes of automatic promotion. Burnley now have 94 points, level with Leeds, while Sheffield United remain eight points behind with just two games left.
