By Samuel A. May 3, 2025
From late, LATE drama to anxious waits to discovering playoff fates and nails bitten to the wicks by fans up and down the country… the final day of the EFL season had it all, and did not disappoint.
Leeds needed to match Burnley’s result to beat them to the crown on goal difference, and thanks to Manor Solomon’s stoppage time winner, they did just that, as both teams finished on a staggering 100 points.
Manor Solomon’s last gasp winner at relegated Plymouth Argyle meant Leeds matched the Clarets’ win over playoff chasing Millwall, just as the home fans at Turf Moor were gearing up for an almighty party.
Before kickoff, Leeds knew it was in their hands, but in typical style, twists and turns followed. It was an epic ending to what has statistically been the most closely fought hunt for the title. For the first time ever, two teams reached 100 points in the same Championship campaign, with Leeds’ superior goal difference proving decisive. With Birmingham City also finishing with 111 points in League One, it is the first time in the Football League’s 137-year history that three sides have earned a century of points in the same campaign.
“I was too tired to celebrate even at the final whistle because I was so focused on winning promotion,” said Farke, who initially shunned the pandemonium to sit alone in the dugout.
Since Leeds secured their Premier League return last week there has been plenty of speculation about Farke’s future, as to whether he’d be capable of keeping them in the Premier League next season.
“I really wanted to win this match and win the title for everyone at the club,” said Farke. “It’s a proud day and an emotionally moving day because we have invested so much and wanted to crown ourselves with some silverware. I’ve had this experience only a few times but for some of them it was the first time they have won any title. It feels pretty special in the dressing room and I’m very happy for my players and all my staff.”
Farke joined Leeds two years ago after their relegation from the top flight and, after the playoff final defeat last season, he has completed the mission he was brought in to achieve. “To be honest I would not have signed for any other Championship club but Leeds United because I know how big this club can be and how much potential there is,” he added.
Burnley had seen records tumble, including a Championship-best 30 clean sheets, equalling Port Vale’s Football League record set in 1953-54, and conceded just 16 goals. They have not lost at home all season, have been beaten only twice in the league, and have been unbeaten in 33 Championship games since losing at Millwall in November.
“We’ve done remarkably this year. I’m so proud. We came into today hoping it would go our way, but wanting to win the game and get to 100 points, We did that”, Scott Parker said.
