Piroe brace lifts Leeds to Championship summit

Joel Piroe scored twice as Leeds United moved top of the Championship following a 2-0 victory over Stoke City.

After Sheffield United were beaten 2-0 by Burnley earlier in the day, Daniel Farke’s side took full advantage to return to the summit on goal difference.

The two goalkeepers were called into action during the first half, with Illan Meslier and Viktor Johansson denying Lewis Koumas and Brenden Aaronson.

Leeds then squandered a golden opportunity when an unmarked Manor Solomon volleyed Daniel James’ cross wide at the far post.

However, they took the lead three minutes before the break with Piroe squeezing the ball in from a tight angle.

Piroe grabbed his second in the 63rd minute, nodding in from James’ centre to put the contest beyond Stoke, who are now without a win in nine matches.

Cold and foggy night in Stoke! pic.twitter.com/8c8qMsZskF

— Leeds United (@LUFC) December 26, 2024

Meanwhile, managerless West Bromwich Albion missed the chance to return to the playoff places after a 2-1 defeat to Derby County.

Under the caretaker charge of Chris Brunt, Damia Abella and Boaz Myhill following Carlos Corberan’s departure to Valencia, West Brom fell behind in the 28th minute when Jerry Yates fired home from a tight angle.

Derby doubled their lead in the 68th minute when Mason Holgate deflected in Kayden Jackson’s shot, with Grady Diangana’s late header no more than a consolation for the visitors.