Leeds bid for Championship title remains in their hands
Leeds United 4 - 0 Bristol City
The home side, already assured of Premier League football next season, delivered a commanding performance at Elland Road to sweep aside play-off hopefuls Bristol City.
Goals from Ao Tanaka and Willy Gnonto set the tone, before substitute Largie Ramazani struck twice late on to complete a comprehensive victory in front of a jubilant home crowd.
Promotion had been secured the previous Monday, and the mood in the stands was celebratory. Supporters were rewarded with a performance that reflected their team’s dominance throughout the season. Tanaka opened the scoring with a measured finish from Manor Solomon’s deep cross.
Leeds remain in pursuit of the Championship title and a 100-point haul. They showed no sign of easing off, although Bristol City, who remain in contention for a play-off spot, made a determined effort to stay in the contest.
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The second goal arrived ten minutes after the interval, Gnonto calmly slotting past Max O'Leary following a superb through-ball from Joel Piroe. Ramazani then made an instant impact from the bench, scoring with his first touch before adding a fourth in stoppage time.
Victory at already-doomed Plymouth on Saturday would confirm Leeds as champions, and on this form, it appears a likely outcome for Daniel Farke’s side.
Bristol City, despite being only four places below Leeds in the table, sit 30 points adrift. They still have a chance to reach the play-offs with a win over Preston on the final day, but this was a stark reminder of the gulf in quality.
Leeds, the Championship’s most prolific side with 26 more goals than their nearest rivals, were given a rousing reception at the final whistle. For many supporters, this felt like a long-overdue celebration. Their 2020 promotion came in empty stadiums due to the pandemic, but this time Elland Road was bouncing as players completed a joyous lap of honour.
Tougher tests await in the top flight, particularly given the recent struggles of promoted clubs. Yet this campaign has been close to faultless for the West Yorkshire outfit.
Leeds fans rally behind their manager
Just 48 hours after Leeds United's promotion was sealed, reports surfaced suggesting the club's ownership were weighing up Daniel Farke's future.
It is the German's third promotion from the Championship, having twice steered Norwich City to the title during his tenure at Carrow Road.
Yet the Premier League has proved a sterner test. His first top-flight campaign ended with Norwich at the foot of the table, and he was dismissed in November of his second season.
Whether Farke will be entrusted to guide Leeds through the challenges of the Premier League remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is the strong backing he has from both the dressing room and the stands.
Supporters chanted his name repeatedly during the match, and the 48-year-old appeared visibly moved as he acknowledged them in the closing stages. He was met with a deafening reception when he re-emerged with his squad after full-time to join in the celebrations.
