The Whites’ top scorer found the back of the net on either side of half-time, propelling his team above Sheffield United, who were defeated by fellow promotion contenders Burnley earlier in the day, thanks to goal difference.
This victory marked Leeds’ seventh triumph in their last nine matches overall, but it was only their second success in the last eight away games.
On the other hand, Stoke remains in 19th position – three points clear of the relegation zone – having now endured nine matches without a win.
The hosts generated the initial chance of the evening early on, with Lewis Koumas being thwarted from close range by visiting goalkeeper Illan Meslier after Junior Tchamadeu retrieved the ball for him.
Shortly after, down at the opposite end, a cross from Dan James on the right was expertly diverted wide of the post by Potters defender Ben Wilmot, likely preventing Manor Solomon from connecting.
Leeds seized full control of the match from that moment, with Brenden Aaronson and Jayden Bogle both forcing substantial saves out of Viktor Johansson from long range.
The away side should have taken the lead just past the half-hour mark when James broke loose down the right side and delivered a pass to an unmarked Solomon at the back post; however, the Israeli international could only send the ball wide with his left foot.
The visitors’ control persisted into the second half, and Piroe likely should have increased his and Leeds’ advantage in the 52nd minute, only to head the ball wide from Joe Rothwell’s corner while unmarked.
However, Stoke did not lack determination, nearly sneaking in an equaliser just before the hour mark as substitute Eric Bocat’s cross from the left was headed just past the post by Ashley Phillips.
This miss proved costly, as Piroe soon nodded in James’ hooked delivery, nearly sealing the match as a contest and elevating his season total to nine goals.
Leeds enjoyed several opportunities to extend their lead to three, with Solomon and substitute Mateo Joseph each bending shots from outside the box just wide, while Aaronson forced Johansson to intervene again, tipping a shot over the crossbar.
The resulting corner led to yet another missed opportunity for Joseph, but it was inconsequential as Daniel Farke’s side made a significant move in their promotion pursuit.
