Leeds United manager Daniel Farke frustrated on the touchline.
Credit: Imago
Niall Togher
Sat 13 September 2025 15:46, UK
Daniel Farke may have regretted one of his team selection decisions already.
The Whites’ start to the afternoon was far from ideal, with the Leeds team reportedly arriving late to Craven Cottage.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was handed his first Premier League start by Farke after the German manager revealed Lukas Nmecha and Joel Piroe were both carrying injuries earlier this week.
Whilst the striker had an impressive first half, winning Leeds valuable free kicks and getting into good goal-scoring areas, Farke will be less than impressed with Brenden Aaronson’s first-half performance.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin warming up for Leeds
Credit: Imago
Brenden Aaronson fails to impress in Premier League start
Despite Dan James and Willy Gnonto both being available, Aaronson was given the nod to start despite being out of position on the right wing ahead of both Gnonto and James.
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Noah Okafor started on the left wing, despite Adam Pope having doubts over Okafor’s fitness.
Unsurprisingly, on the right wing, however, the American struggled to influence the game on the right flank.
His lack of pace, power or creativity is painfully evident in the Premier League, and despite hooking a hopeful ball into the bath of Calvert-Lewin, the 24-year-old was anonymous.
Aaronson lost possession six times in the first half
He only managed to complete one dribble
Despite playing on the wing, Aaronson did not even attempt a single cross
With Leeds being the better side throughout the first half, it is an ideal chance for Farke’s side to claim what could be a valuable and rare win on the road.
Sean Longstaff’s strike that rattled off the crossbar will only give Leeds more hope that they can go out and win this game in the second half.
Brenden Aaronson looking dissapointed
Credit: Imago
Willy Gnonto to influence proceedings
Whilst Leeds’ attack so far this season has been poor, Gnonto has arguably been their brightest spark and should replace Aaronson on that right wing at half-time.
The Italian should have been selected ahead of Aaronson in the first place, but at half-time, Farke has the opportunity to remedy the evident error he has made when selecting his starting XI.
Gnonto’s improved weight of pass in the final third is the exact attribute that Leeds need at this moment in time, and it is up to Farke to realise this.
If no changes are made, he risks allowing Fulham to grow into a game they have been second best in so far.
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