Flemmings’ Burnley and Hamers’ Sheffield United slip up, Piroe and Leeds take advantage

Leeds United, with Joel Piroe leading the line and Pascal Struijk sidelined due to injury, made an important statement in the race for Premier League promotion with a narrow yet vital 1-0 win away at Middlesbrough.

It was a tense and hard-fought match at the Riverside Stadium, but the visitors wasted no time in taking control. In only the second minute, Dan James broke free down the flank and slotted home a composed finish to give Leeds the lead. The Welsh international’s lightning pace caused constant problems for the Middlesbrough defense throughout the evening, and his early goal would ultimately prove decisive.

Despite a handful of dangerous moments from the home side, Leeds held firm at the back. Illan Meslier produced two key saves in the second half, and the defensive unit marshalled by captain Liam Cooper showed composure under pressure. Though Piroe didn’t find the net, he played an essential role in linking up play and keeping the Boro defenders on alert. The victory marked another step forward for Daniel Farke’s side, who have now collected three consecutive wins and continue to build momentum at a crucial stage of the season.

Elsewhere in the Championship, Leeds’ promotion rivals stumbled. Burnley dropped two crucial points in a frustrating goalless draw away at Derby County. At Pride Park, the Rams desperately battling to avoid relegation defended with discipline and intensity. Despite having the majority of possession and chances, the Clarets couldn’t find a way through. Zian Flemming, Burnley’s key attacking threat, came close on several occasions but was denied by Derby’s inspired goalkeeper and a goal-line clearance in the closing minutes. Vincent Kompany's men were left to rue their lack of clinical edge.

Things went even worse for Sheffield United, who suffered a damaging 0-1 defeat at home to Millwall. Playing in front of a frustrated Bramall Lane crowd, the Blades were off the pace for large parts of the game. Gustavo Hamer played the full 90 minutes and tried to spark his side into life with a few probing passes and long-range attempts, but it wasn’t enough. Millwall defended resolutely and took advantage of a defensive lapse to score the only goal of the match midway through the second half. The loss dealt a major blow to United’s hopes of automatic promotion.

The results across the board have dramatically reshaped the top of the table. With five rounds left to play, Leeds now sit at the summit with 85 points. Burnley are level on points but trail on goal difference, despite boasting one of the best defensive records in the league. Sheffield United remain on 83 points and now not only have to make up ground but also contend with an inferior goal difference compared to their rivals.

What makes the final stretch of the season even more thrilling is that all three promotion contenders still have their destiny in their own hands. Sheffield United still have to travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley, a fixture that could prove decisive in determining which side finishes in the top two. Every point from here on out is vital, and with so much at stake, the pressure will be enormous.

The battle for Premier League football next season remains intense. Only the top two teams earn automatic promotion, while the clubs finishing third through sixth must face the unpredictability of the play-offs. For Leeds, Burnley, and Sheffield United, the goal is clear but the margin for error is shrinking with each passing week. The next five matches will be a true test of composure, quality, and character.