Leeds United took a massive step toward securing Premier League promotion with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Championship rivals Sunderland, sealed by Pascal Struijk’s 95th-minute winner at Elland Road on Monday.
The Dutch defender emerged as an unexpected hero, scoring twice despite only coming on for the final 20 minutes.
Sunderland had taken the lead before halftime through Wilson Isidor, who netted his 12th goal of the season. However, the Black Cats’ automatic promotion hopes are fading as Leeds and Sheffield United continue to pull away at the top.
Struijk sparked the comeback in the 78th minute, heading in Joe Rothwell’s pinpoint free-kick. The pair combined again deep into stoppage time, with another dangerous Rothwell delivery allowing Struijk to nod home into an empty net in the game’s final action.
Elland Road erupted in celebration, with the 38,000-strong crowd sensing Leeds are closing in on a long-awaited top-flight return.
The victory moves Leeds two points clear of Sheffield United at the summit, but more importantly, seven ahead of third-placed Burnley and 10 clear of Sunderland in fourth, with just 13 games remaining.