Leeds United look like they might be heading back to the Premier League.
Of course, it’s looked like that for quite a while, given that Marcelo Bielsa’s side have been alternating between first and second in the Championship for virtually the entire season.
But tonight’s visit of Stoke City was a big test for Leeds – and one that they passed with flying colours.
Brentford and West Bromwich Albion both picked up victories in midweek, meaning that defeat at Elland Road today would’ve meant that the Bees – who have a much better goal difference than United – were only three points behind Bielsa’s troops with four games left.
Given what happened last season with Leeds, this would’ve been a terrifying scenario, but they thrashed the Potters 5-0 at Elland Road to re-establish their six-point cushion in the top two and with four left to play, it was a big step toward a first top-flight return for 16 years.
Here’s how Noel Whelan reacted to the win on BBC West Yorkshire Sport: “It was a five-star performance from a top side and that’s why they’re top of the Championship. Five fantastic goals. Sharing is caring. They work so hard for each other and create so many chances for each other. It’s great to see Liam Cooper getting on the scoresheet. He had a fantastic game.”
A first-half penalty from Mateusz Klich gave the hosts a narrow lead at the break, before further efforts from Helder Costa, Liam Cooper, Pablo Hernandez and Patrick Bamford ensured Leeds take another big, big step toward a return to the promised land.
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