Leeds United close on Premier League return thanks to late Pascal Struijk double

LONDON – Leeds United manager Daniel Farke was thrilled with what he called “precious points” as his side took a huge step towards a return to the English Premier League.

Pascal Struijk’s dramatic 95th-minute winner – besides his 78th-minute equaliser – on Feb 17 was key as they defeated Championship promotion rivals Sunderland 2-1 at Elland Road.

The Dutch defender was an unlikely hero as he scored both Leeds goals despite playing only the final 20 minutes as a substitute. Wilson Isidor netted the game’s opener for the visitors.

“These type of wins are the best kind you can have in football for the supporters and the whole group,” Farke told BBC Radio Leeds. “They are priceless points. It’s a great night for everyone connected to Leeds United.

“We haven’t won anything yet but to do this against one of the best sides in the league in a difficult game... We were there with almost 70 per cent possession so it was well deserved but once they led it is so difficult and complicated.

“You have to be patient to create and score when a team is sitting back deep. You have to fight in order to score a goal and this is what we did today.”

Isidor had fired Sunderland in front with his 12th goal of the season.

But the Black Cats’ chances of automatic promotion are beginning to fade as Leeds and Sheffield United pull away at the top of the table.

Struijk began the fightback when he headed in fellow substitute Joe Rothwell’s enticing free kick on 78 minutes.

The same duo combined for the winner as another dangerous cross from Rothwell left the centre-back with an easy finish to head into an unguarded net with the final act of the game.

The winning goal sparked