Premier League

Leeds United  3 (Rodrigo 17’, Phillips 42’, Bamford 78’ pen)

West Bromwich Albion 1 (Robson-Kanu 90’)

Leeds: Casilla, Ayling, Cooper, Alioski, Dallas, Raphinha, Hernandez (Roberts 70’), Rodrigo (Bamford 45’), Harrison, Phillips, Berardi (Struijk 70’). 

Subs not used: Meslier, Poveda, Davis, Shackleton, Jenkins, Casey.

WBA: Johnstone, Furlong, Bartley, Ajayi, Robinson (Diangana 61’), Phillips, Townsend, Gallagher, O’Shea (Robson-Kanu 60’), Maitland-Niles (Grant 83’), Yokuslu.

Subs not used: Button, Diagne, Peltier, Gardner-Hickman, Taylor, Iroegbunam. 

Leeds started the match roared on by thousands of Whites fans who were allowed back in the ground for the first time in over a year, and what a noise they were making. 

The visitors had the first real chance however, as Conor Gallagher’s free-kick was met by former Leeds defender Kyle Bartley, who flicked a header wide of the post.

Shortly after, Hernandez’s low cross into the box was flicked on by Rodrigo for Jack Harrison at the back post. The winger finished well, but the offside flag went up which proved to be the correct decision.  

However, the crowd wouldn’t have to wait too much longer to erupt. Raphinha won and took a corner himself, whipping into the back post for Rodrigo to power a header home and send Elland Road into a cauldron of noise! 

Half-chances at either end followed for both teams with Callum Robinson coming closest for the Baggies, before Leeds found a way to double their lead. 

Hernandez was fouled just outside the box allowing Phillips to step up and fire home the free-kick superbly, beating Sam Johnstone at his near post to score his first goal of the season. 

The whistle was blown for the interval shortly after, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side firmly in control of the match.

HALF TIME: Leeds United 2-0 West Bromwich Albion 

Bielsa went to his bench during the break and brought on top-scorer Patrick Bamford, who replaced first-half scorer, Rodrigo. 

The first chance of the second period of the match saw Hernandez have an effort on target, but Johnstone thwarted him with an excellent save. That situation was to be repeated moments later as the ‘keeper did the exact same again.

Berardi and Luke Ayling for the Whites and Ashley Maitland-Niles for the Baggies all came close and had their efforts blocked or saved as the game went over the hour mark.

The 70th minute arrived and it was an emotional one for all inside Elland Road. Two Leeds United legends, Pablo Hernandez and Gaetano Berardi both left the pitch for the last time, being replaced by Pascal Struijk and Tyler Roberts with a standing ovation from all. 

With just under 15 minutes left, Leeds won a penalty after a clear handball from Okay Yokuslu following Harrison’s run and cross. Bamford stepped up confidently and struck home to make it three, getting his 17th of the season in doing so. 

There was still time in the remaining few minutes for the Baggies to pull a goal back, as Hal Robson-Kanu pounced on a loose ball to run into the box and finish.  

That was to be the final chance of the game and Leeds rounded of an impressive season with another three points, finishing ninth in the Premier League table.

FULL TIME: Leeds United 3-1 West Bromwich Albion

Venue: Elland Road

Attendance: 8,000

Referee: David Coote

Booked: Phillips (Leeds) Gallagher (WBA)