Leeds United moved to the top of the Championship with a 2-0 win at Stoke City on Boxing Day, leapfrogging Sheffield United, who had been defeated by Burnley earlier. The victory was Leeds’ seventh in their last nine outings, though their second away win in eight matches. Stoke, on the other hand, remain in 19th place, just three points above the relegation zone, and are now without a win in nine games.
The game started with Stoke creating the first real opportunity. Lewis Koumas had a chance to put the hosts ahead, but his close-range effort was denied by Illan Meslier, who made a key save for Leeds after Junior Tchamadeu set up the shot. Leeds responded with an early threat of their own, as Dan James’ cross from the right was expertly diverted by Ben Wilmot, who prevented Manor Solomon from getting on the end of it.
From that point, Leeds began to take control. Brenden Aaronson and Jayden Bogle both tested Stoke goalkeeper Viktor Johansson with powerful long-range shots. Just before the half-hour, Leeds had a clear opportunity to take the lead. James broke free down the right and found an unmarked Solomon at the back post, but the Israeli forward blazed his shot wide.
Leeds’ dominance eventually paid off in the 42nd minute when Joel Piroe found the net. After his initial attempt to round Johansson was blocked, Piroe latched onto the rebound and fired a thunderous shot off the underside of the crossbar to give Leeds the lead. In the second half, Piroe came close to adding a second, but he headed wide from a Joe Rothwell corner when unmarked.
Despite their struggles, Stoke did create a few chances. Substitute Eric Bocat whipped in a cross from the left, and Ashley Phillips came close with a header, but it went just wide. That miss proved costly, as Leeds doubled their lead shortly after. Piroe headed in James’ hooked delivery in the 58th minute to put the match beyond Stoke’s reach and take his season tally to nine goals.
Leeds continued to press for more goals, with both Solomon and substitute Mateo Joseph testing Johansson, but the Stoke keeper kept them at bay. Another opportunity for Joseph came from a corner, but his shot was off target. It mattered little, however, as Leeds claimed an important three points in their promotion bid under manager Daniel Farke.
