Leeds United have confirmed their place back in the Premier League following a two-year absence. Their promotion was sealed with two games remaining, thanks to Sheffield United’s loss to Burnley, which also guaranteed the Clarets a top-flight return.
Earlier that day, Leeds had cruised past Stoke City with a dominant 6-0 victory at Elland Road. That result left them on the verge of promotion, and Burnley’s win later made it official.
Leeds can now secure the Championship title with wins in their final two fixtures, provided there isn’t a dramatic goal difference swing in Burnley’s favor.
From heartbreak to triumph
Last season, Leeds ended the regular campaign in third place with 90 points, only to fall short in the play-off final at Wembley against Southampton. The summer that followed brought notable departures. Archie Gray joined Tottenham, Crysencio Summerville moved to West Ham, and Georginio Rutter was sold to Brighton in a surprising mid-season deal.
Despite those exits, Leeds built a strong squad for the division. Joe Rodon joined permanently from Spurs after a successful loan, Jayden Bogle arrived from Sheffield United, and Ao Tanaka added international pedigree. Loan deals for Joe Rothwell from Bournemouth and Manor Solomon from Tottenham also strengthened the side.
The season began slowly with three winless outings, but a 2-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday sparked a run of form. Even with a home defeat to Burnley in September – their only loss at Elland Road so far – the team climbed into second by November.
Following a defeat to Blackburn later that month, Leeds went unbeaten in the league for three months. That stretch included a 7-0 rout of Cardiff and thrilling late wins against Sunderland and Sheffield United in February, results that pushed them five points clear at the top.
Challenges met and overcome
March proved trickier, with only one win in five matches. A 2-2 draw with Swansea saw Illan Meslier dropped in favor of Karl Darlow, after a string of errors from the French goalkeeper. A 1-1 draw with Luton drew some criticism toward manager Daniel Farke, though his view that the point was valuable proved accurate as rivals faltered.
Sheffield United’s three-game losing streak allowed Leeds to reclaim the top spot with a five-point cushion and only three fixtures left. Monday’s emphatic win over Stoke nearly guaranteed promotion due to a commanding goal difference, but Burnley’s later win ensured Leeds would go up without needing another point.
Farke, who made no additions in January, is now on the verge of a third second-tier title, having previously achieved the feat twice with Norwich. After missing out on celebrations during their last promotion due to Covid-19 restrictions, Leeds supporters can finally savor the moment.
With a return to the Premier League secured, attention will now shift to preparing for the challenges ahead – and avoiding the fate of other promoted sides who failed to survive the following season.
