Leeds United have moved to the brink of Premier League promotion.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side edged out Barnsley 1-0 at Elland Road this evening to re-establish their six-point cushion in the automatic promotion places.
And with only six points left on offer this season, Leeds, who have been absent from the top flight since 2004, have all-but confirmed their return to the big time.
The hosts earned a narrow lead at the break courtesy of an own goal from Michael Sollbauer.
Here’s how the club’s former marksman Noel Whelan reacted to the win at full-time, saying on BBC Radio Leeds: “Yessssss! Get in. It’s a massive step, a huge step. It was about getting the job done tonight. One of the worst performances I’ve seen from Leeds all season, a freaky own goal that won us the game, but it doesn’t matter at this stage of the season and they’ve got half a size nine in the Premier League!”
If third-placed Brentford drop points away to Stoke City on Saturday afternoon then that’ll confirm the Whites’ promotion, even before they face Derby County on the Sunday.
It isn’t mission accomplished for Leeds yet, but it’s damn close and nobody can deny that they’ll deserve their spot in the Premier League, when it’s confirmed.
Salim Lamrani clearly feels emotionally attached to United’s cause, having spent a year as Bielsa’s translator last season.
Here’s the message he sent on Twitter immediately after the match:
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