Leeds United are back in the big time after capturing the Championship title on the final day of the season. Manor Solomon’s stoppage-time goal sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory for the Yorkshiremen over Plymouth Argyle, clinching the trophy on goal difference.
While Burnley saw off Millwall 3-1, Leeds triumph was enough to edge them to the top, having already secured promotion back to the Premier League after two seasons away.
The significance of Leeds United’s dramatic Championship title win cannot be fully appreciated without understanding the painful journey that preceded it.
While attention now turns to the Sunderland vs Sheffield United odds in the play-off final and the inevitable heartbreak that will accompany one of the sides, Leeds know all too well about falling at the final hurdle and just how important it was for them to finishing in those automatic positions. Whether the Daniel Farke will be the right man for the job remains to be seen, but his story at Elland Road is one of revival, and the fans fully deserve it.
After their Premier League relegation in 2023, Leeds were determined to bounce straight back to the top flight, but their first attempt ended in heartbreak.
Leeds narrowly missed out on automatic promotion, finishing third behind Leicester City and Ipswich Town. This condemned them to the lottery of the play-offs — a format that has historically been unkind to the club and has such an unpredictable nature in the Championship odds.
Their playoff final against Southampton at Wembley became another chapter in the club’s infamous history of near misses. Despite entering as favourites, Leeds faltered on the big stage. Southampton, led by Russell Martin, produced a clinical performance as Adam Armstrong’s brace and a Will Smallbone strike gave the Saints a commanding 3-0 lead. A late consolation from Crysencio Summerville couldn’t mask what was a devastating defeat for the Yorkshire club.
This campaign Daniel Farke’s men were determined not to leave their fate to the playoff lottery again. Having secured automatic promotion with games to spare, their focus shifted to claiming the title outright, and the final day showdown at Plymouth Argyle presented the perfect opportunity for redemption.
The match itself encapsulated Leeds’ season – challenging, dramatic, and ultimately triumphant. When Mustapha Bundu’s shot rebounded off the post and in via Sam Byram, it seemed the football gods might be conspiring against them once again.
Plymouth, fighting for Championship survival, defended doggedly until Willy Gnonto restored parity early in the second half, finishing neatly from Solomon’s cross. As news filtered through that Burnley were leading Millwall, the pressure mounted on Leeds to find a winner.
A disallowed Joel Piroe goal further tested their resolve, and as the clock ticked into stoppage time, it appeared the title might slip from their grasp. But in a moment that will live long in the memory of Leeds supporters, Solomon cut in from the left wing and fired a precise shot into the bottom corner.
The travelling contingent erupted, the bench emptied, and even the typically composed Daniel Farke couldn’t contain his emotions. After two seasons away, Leeds had not just returned to the Premier League – they’d done so as champions.
“I can’t put into words what I’m feeling right now,” Solomon said. “It is a dream come true to score the winning goal and take this championship. Throughout the season, we’ve shown we deserve this trophy and to finish in the first spot. I’m so glad it happened.”
“We all knew what was happening at Burnley and we knew we needed to score. It will take me a few days to digest what happened today, right now I’m going to celebrate.”
This title victory represents more than just an immediate return to the top flight. By avoiding the play-offs and winning the Championship outright, Leeds have demonstrated the mental fortitude that will be crucial for establishing themselves as Premier League regulars.
