Scott Parker and Burnley have just matched astonishing 71-year record after thumping QPR 5-0

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Burnley have gained promotion back to the Premier League and Scott Parker’s side have had to break records to do so in the process.

For a while, Burnley were considered as the underrated team in the automatic promotion picture, perhaps because they have spent just 14 of the 45 matchdays so far inside the top two. Leeds United and Sheffield United had occupied those positions for far greater lengths of time.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	BurnleyBurnley	45	27	16	2	66	15	51	97
2	LeedsLeeds	44	27	13	4	89	29	60	94
3	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	45	28	7	10	62	35	27	89
4	SunderlandSunderland	45	21	13	11	58	43	15	76
5	Bristol CityBristol City	44	17	16	11	57	49	8	67
6	CoventryCoventry	45	19	9	17	62	58	4	66
7	MillwallMillwall	45	18	12	15	46	46	0	66
8	BlackburnBlackburn	45	19	8	18	52	47	5	65
9	MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough	45	18	10	17	64	54	10	64

That said, Leeds have also been impressive and many believe they are ‘miles better’ than Burnley in some aspects, but it’s clear to see the reasons why they both beat Sheffield United to promotion and got themselves over the line last week.

Each side has some of the best players in the Championship, as illustrated by the fact they each had three players included in the Championship Team of the Season at last night’s EFL awards ceremony.

• READ MORE: ‘Mental’, ‘farcical’, Burnley and Leeds fans in agreement after Gus Hamer named as 2024/25 Championship Player of the Season

Burnley break further records on their march to the Premier League

The Blades may not have escaped playing Championship football in 2025/26 yet but Burnley’s improvement in recent months got them over the line, especially given the volume of 0-0 draws they were racking up at one point.

The Clarets have broken numerous records already and they and Leeds can go further and both achieve 100 points to break more between now and the final whistle on Saturday. Burnley are also now 32 league games unbeaten ahead of the final day of the 2025 season.

Being in receipt of parachute payments gave them an advantage to bounce back at the first time of asking, but Scott Parker’s Manager of the Season win also highlights the hard work that has gone into making the group as strong as it is.

Their defensive exploits have even gained praise from Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, such has been their impressive nature. Players like James Trafford and Josh Brownhill have been key to their success at both ends of the pitch but the defensive numbers speak for themselves.

In keeping a record-equalling 30th clean sheet of the season in the 5-0 thumping of QPR on Saturday, Scott Parker’s side matched the record set by Port Vale’s 1953/54 Third Division North side 71 years ago. They can still break that if they keep a clean sheet against Millwall on Saturday, too.

The goals were impressive in their own right, with Josh Cullen and braces from both Zian Flemming and Jeremy Sarmiento securing the victory. That also marked the first time since 1920/21 that they have won three games in a season by five or more goals.

They will need more than that in the Premier League but Joe Hart believes his former side can survive, while Paul Merson has offered the Clarets and Leeds advice on how to make their Premier League status stick.

• READ MORE: Micah Richards says Vincent Kompany signed a ‘superstar’ at Burnley, now he’s a ‘headless chicken’

Burnley attentions turn to Leeds United against Bristol City

Leeds can, of course, reclaim top spot with a win over Bristol City tonight. Should they do that, then they will be the firm for the title heading into the final day of the campaign.

The Clarets will hope that they slip up and open the door for them to seal the deal with a win over Millwall at Turf Moor on Saturday.

To do that, in front of their own fans, would be a special way to close off a fantastic season for all connected with the club. But Leeds having an away trip to Plymouth Argyle and superior goal difference means that they are rightly favourites.

Millwall are one of only two teams to have beaten Burnley this season as well, which adds an extra layer. That perhaps explains why Burnley are only 50.14% on to win the title despite the three-point cushion currently, as per Opta.