Leeds United have often been known to crumble under pressure in promotion battles—but not this time. With just one match remaining in the Championship season, the Whites have already secured their return to the Premier League, showing no signs of nerves.
Daniel Farke’s men looked more than ready for the challenge ahead as they swept aside playoff-hopefuls Bristol City with a commanding 4-0 victory on Monday night. The atmosphere at Elland Road was celebratory throughout, with no hangover in sight following their promotion confirmation.
Top Performers vs Bristol City
Although Leeds may have expected a more competitive fixture—especially given Liam Manning’s side still have a mathematical shot at a playoff spot—the match felt like a stroll for the home side. Ao Tanaka opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a composed finish from a lofted Manor Solomon pass.
Solomon, who assisted the opener, impressed with his own lively display, registering two successful dribbles and four shots as he continued to torment the visiting defence.
Wilfried Gnonto and Largie Ramazani also left their mark, with the latter netting twice in just nine minutes on the pitch. Defenders Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu were rock-solid, completing a combined 291 accurate passes to keep Leeds in full control.
Junior Firpo once again stood out with a precise assist for Ramazani’s first goal, bringing his tally for the season to an impressive ten. Yet, despite his standout performances, reports suggest the former Barcelona man is unlikely to remain at Elland Road for their Premier League campaign.
And he might not be the only one.
A Position in Need of Reinforcement
Leeds face a crucial summer, with tough decisions looming over which players can handle the leap to top-flight football. Reports have even hinted that Farke’s own future could be under scrutiny depending on how well the club prepares.
One player whose future is uncertain is Brenden Aaronson. The American midfielder struggled in his last Premier League stint, managing just one goal and three assists in 36 appearances during the ill-fated 2022/23 season.
This time around, Aaronson will need to prove he belongs. His inconsistent form and inefficiency in the final third raise questions about whether he’s the right option for the No. 10 role in the Premier League.
Aaronson vs Bristol City – By the Numbers:
Minutes played: 86
Goals/Assists: 0
Touches: 50
Accurate passes: 28/33 (85%)
Key passes: 2
Shots: 3
Big chances missed: 1
While not his worst outing, Aaronson failed to contribute a goal or assist, leaving his tally at 11 goal contributions across 45 Championship appearances. Though he linked well at times with Solomon and others, a clinical edge was again missing.
Unlike Solomon and Tanaka—who appear Premier League-ready—Aaronson could find himself once more out of his depth. Yorkshire Post journalist Tom Coates called his performance “frustrating,” despite a 7/10 rating, while Larry Henry of The Athletic offered a more optimistic take, describing it as a “really positive display.”
Still, it seems likely that an upgrade in attacking midfield will be a priority for Leeds this summer. And if Firpo, Aaronson, or even Farke are nearing the end of their time under the Elland Road lights, Monday’s emphatic win may have been a fitting farewell.
Before any decisions are final, though, Leeds have one last goal in sight: the Championship title, with a trip to Plymouth offering the chance to cap a memorable campaign in style.
7/10 Leeds star was “really positive” last night but he may never play at ER again
