In a stunning display of dominance, Leeds United crushed Stoke City 6-0 at Elland Road on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, solidifying their position at the top of the Championship. The Whites were electric from the get-go, with Joel Piroe stealing the show by scoring four goals in the first half, propelling Leeds to a 5-0 lead by halftime.
Piroe, who has been a key figure for Leeds this season, opened the scoring in the second minute, quickly adding another in the eighth minute. He completed his hat-trick with goals at the 20th and 41st minutes, while Junior Firpo also found the back of the net before the break. TalkSPORT's Adrian Durham remarked on the first half, stating, "I can't remember a first-half destruction like I've just seen that Leeds have carried out on Stoke City. They've been brilliant, Leeds United."
As the second half commenced, Leeds continued their assault on the Stoke defense, with Willy Gnonto adding a sixth goal, showcasing his aerial prowess with a header despite his smaller stature. The match also marked a significant moment for 16-year-old Harry Gray, who made his senior debut for Leeds United. Gray is the younger brother of Tottenham star Archie Gray and has been highly touted as a future prospect for the club.
Leeds' emphatic victory has brought them to a total of 94 points in the Championship, putting them in a prime position for promotion. The team will secure their place in the Premier League if Sheffield United fails to beat Burnley in the late kick-off on the same day. This result comes as a significant boost for Leeds, who have been under pressure to perform with promotion on the line.
Despite the jubilant atmosphere surrounding the match, the absence of Daniel James due to a hamstring concern was felt. James had recently returned from injury and was expected to be in the starting lineup after playing as a substitute in the previous match against Oxford United. However, manager Daniel Farke decided to err on the side of caution, opting to leave him out of the squad entirely. Adam Pope reported, "Daniel Farke has just spoken to the press and said that Dan James had some awareness, probably in that hamstring injury, on Friday, and therefore, isn’t being risked."
Farke’s decision to include Harry Gray in the matchday squad instead of James has been met with excitement, as Gray is seen as one of the most promising talents to emerge from Leeds’ academy. His inclusion not only highlights the depth of talent at Leeds but also the club's commitment to nurturing young players.
As Leeds United looks ahead, the focus will undoubtedly shift towards their potential promotion to the Premier League. The squad has demonstrated that they are more than capable of competing at a higher level, but questions remain about whether they can sustain this form against tougher opposition. With the summer transfer window approaching, there are discussions about whether the club will invest heavily to bolster their squad or continue to develop talent from within.
Leeds’ performance against Stoke was a reminder of their attacking prowess, with Piroe leading the charge. He now boasts an impressive tally of 12 goals and 9 assists in 36 matches this season. His ability to find the net consistently has been a crucial factor in Leeds’ success, and fans will be hoping he can maintain this form as they push for promotion.
In addition to Piroe’s heroics, the match showcased the strength of Leeds’ attacking options, with Firpo and Gnonto both contributing significantly. The team’s ability to score from various positions on the pitch makes them a formidable opponent for any team in the Championship.
Looking beyond the immediate success, Leeds United's academy continues to produce exciting talents. Harry Gray, who made his debut, is not the only young player making waves. Charlie Crew, an 18-year-old midfielder, has been impressing on loan at Doncaster Rovers, where he recently helped his team to a 3-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers. Crew’s performances have drawn attention, with Doncaster manager Grant McCann praising his contributions.
As Leeds United prepares for their next challenge, the buzz around the club is palpable. Fans are optimistic about the future, especially with the prospect of promotion looming large. If Sheffield United falters against Burnley, the celebrations at Elland Road could be just around the corner.
In conclusion, Leeds United’s 6-0 win against Stoke City was not just a statement of intent but a testament to the club’s ambition as they aim for a return to the Premier League. With key players stepping up and young talents emerging, the future looks bright for the Whites. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Leeds to see if they can maintain their momentum and achieve their ultimate goal of promotion.
