A Fairytale Finish For Leeds United

Leeds V Stoke

Bank Holiday Monday 21st April, Daniel Farke's men going in to battle against Stoke City, whose form had improved over the past few weeks, maybe just enough to keep our nerves jangling just a bit longer, but Leeds form had also improved, having beaten Middlesborough, Preston and Oxford. This new winning streak of Leeds had somewhat calmed our passionate and very emotional fan base.

Leeds got off to a brilliant start in what felt like a carnival atmosphere at Elland Road. Joel Piroe was firing on all cylinders, finding the net on 6th, 8th and 20th minute for starters, wow what a start, an hattrick for Piroe before the half time break!

No Piroe no party rang around the stadium, were Leeds on the brink of promotion. Stoke couldn't muster anything in return, could not lay a glove on this imperious Leeds team, for them they were bystanders in their own nightmare of a game. Firpo who's been one of the standout player all season contributed on the 26th minute to make it 4 - 0, adding more pain to this woeful Stoke City team, and just before the break, Piroe again got the better of the Stoke defence and netted his fourth of the game to make it 5 - 0, and increase our healthy goal difference against our main rival, Burnley.

The second half was a joyous occasion for the Leeds fans, relaxed in knowing the match was already won, the fans increased the volume and sang to their hearts content. Gnonto made it 6 -0 on the 59th minute completing the rout.

Leeds Promoted

Leeds United having kicked off at 3:30pm had done what they had needed to do, and pray that Burnley can muster a draw or better still, beat Sheffield United at the 5:30pm evening kick off. The areas around Elland Road were packed, as thousands stayed behind after the match, some with radios aloud, while others headed for the nearest pub to watch the Burnley game.

Leeds so close now to confirming their place back in the English Premier League, and with all eyes and ears now on the Burnley game, we could be just 90 minutes away from achieving this. Burnley have been difficult to beat all season, with their shot stopper Trafford having an outstanding season and for me warranting the player of the season if I had to choose.

Burnley took the lead on the 28th minute, but Sheffield United were not lying down, having equalised 9 minutes later through Tom Cannon. The game ebbed and flowed, but Burnley got a breakthrough through a Penalty taking by Brownhill to make the final score 2-1. It was official, Leeds United and Burnley had been promoted and Elland Road was engulfed by thousands of fans, celebrating with the players outside the East Stand. Swathes of Yellow, White and Blue smoke hung in the air as the Leeds fans celebrated.

Leeds v Bristol

As the Leeds players had a week to sober up from last weeks celebrations with the fans, Daniel Farke's men were now focussed on wining the League, with only Bristol and Plymouth standing in the way of stopping this. But Burnley also wanted to claim the title and having beat QPR 5-0 away, Burnley wasn't going away quietly and we still had a job to do.

The Leeds United of last season may have buckled under such pressure, but not this team, now a far stronger and a more confident Leeds United, than the horrors of last season team on that fateful day at Wembley, all so long ago now. Leeds looked different, an air of confidence seeming to emanate from the whole squad.

Tanaka, another standout player of the season did what Tanaka does and netted a lovely goal on the 21st minute, Gnonto having found his scoring boots netted on the 53rd minute, Leeds on auto pilot and not allowing Bristol any chance on goal. Farke made is usual late substitution bringing on the flamboyant Ramazani, and what an impression did he make. Barely having been on the pitch Ramazani netted on the 82nd and 94th minute, and topped it all off with his usual acrobatic back flip for good measure. The game finished 4 - 0, but in reality, it could have been seven on the day.

Plymouth v Leeds

Plymouth are relegated and have no way to change that when they host Leeds for the final game of the season, Leeds having got a far superior goal difference just need to match what Burnley do to be crowned champions. Leeds and Plymouth both kicked off at 3:30pm.

The pressure being felt buy both teams as Burnley succumb to an early goal on the 11th minute, against a dogged Millwall side, but just minutes later Leeds do the same away to Plymouth with an unfortunate own goal by Sam Byron.

The pressure on the Leeds fans increased again when Anthony, who played for Leeds last year pops up with a goal for Burnley to make it one apiece against Millwall. Both games are a tense affair, especially when Burnley in the dying seconds of their game grabs another goal through Brownhill on the 93rd minute, what can Leeds do, with their game in the final moments too!

But Leeds have Manor Solomon in their team, a player who's been on fire for the past eight games, Solomon takes the ball on the left wing passes several players and shoots for goal, Leeds have done it, they have scored in the 91st minute, limbs everywhere as Leeds hold out for the win and are crowned Champions.

An Historic Achievement

In the world of football, few experiences are as exhilarating as witnessing a team clinch victory in the dying moments of a season. This sentiment was palpably felt on the final day of the season when Leeds United accomplished the remarkable feat of winning the league. Competing against Plymouth Argyle in an away match, Leeds secured a 2-1 victory that will resonate in the annals of football history.

The Significance of Promotion and Winning the League

Winning the league signifies not just a trophy but also a return to the top-flight football that Leeds United has long sought. For the club steeped in rich history and fervent support, this victory symbolises rebirth and revitalisation. To beat Plymouth Argyle a team that fought valiantly all-season long-adds an additional layer of significance. The hard-fought battle on the pitch mirrored the arduous journey Leeds undertook this season, filled with highs and lows, perseverance and resilience.

The ramifications of this win extend beyond just a title; it rejuvenates the entire club, including players, coaching staff, and supporters alike. The fairytale finish to the season encapsulated the spirit and fervour that Leeds United embodies. Fans, who cheered from the stands, now have a new chapter to relish, filled with hope for what lies ahead in the coming season in the Premier League.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Leeds United

As Leeds prepares for their next chapter in the Premier League, this victory serves as a motivating force. The fairytale finish is not merely a conclusion; it is a prologue to new aspirations and challenges. The management will undoubtedly look to reinforce the squad, ensuring that the momentum gained from this triumph translates into future success.

Come on Leeds or as we used to say Vamos Carajo Leeds!