Leeds United were left to rue missed chances at Burnley, namely with Brenden Aaronson’s sitter, and have been given the perfect example by Barcelona of what should have unfolded at Turf Moor.
The Whites know what they need to do in order to get back to winning ways this Friday against West Ham.
Daniel Farke, as well as some pundits, were quick to praise Leeds’ performance at Burnley. But, if you don’t take your chances at one end, and are slack at the other, you’ll lose games in the Premier League.
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Brenden Aaronson’s Leeds United chance goes begging away at Burnley
With Noah Okafor and Willy Gnonto ruled out, plus Dan James only just getting back to being available, Brenden Aaronson had the opportunity to make his presence known at Turf Moor.
The American’s defensive efforts have been consistent under Farke, but consistent output in the final third has been lacking. Such issues were prevalent for him (and others too) on Saturday.
Brenden Aaronson struggled to make his mark for Leeds United vs Burnley. (REUTERS/Peter Powell)
A glorious chance opened up for Leeds at 1-0. Jack Harrison picked up possession from Jaidon Anthony, and slipped a well-weighted pass into the arriving Aaronson, who took a first-time shot straight at Martin Dubravka, and the Burnley stopper diverted his effort onto the post.
It went down as a ‘big chance missed’ for Aaronson as Leeds continued to falter in front of goal, while the Clarets took their two only real opportunities of note. The second goal can’t even be classed as a ‘chance’ really, but United were downed 2-0.
Barcelona’s UCL hattrick hero Fermin Lopez gives perfect example on how Brenden Aaronson should have taken chance
In the Premier League, United need that top-level composure in the final third to get the results that will keep them in the division.
A perfect example for United’s right-winger came in the Champions League last night. As Barcelona destroyed Olympiacos 6-1 at home, hattrick hero Fermin Lopez’s second goal was a virtually identical opening to Aaronson’s.
Slipped in by Dro Fernandez, Lopez could have taken the shot first time, but took a touch to shift the ball onto his left, wrong-footing both the onrushing defender and the goalkeeper that was set for a low first-time shot. He instead wrapped a left-footed effort into the far corner past the helpless ‘keeper:
Still images via TNT Sports’ YouTube highlights
Leeds United need to be ruthless in the final third to get a win against West Ham
If Leeds want to start getting the results their performances ‘deserve’, they need to show ruthlessness in the penalty area.
This isn’t just Aaronson, who is in the unenviable position of playing outside of his normal role. It’s something that Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jack Harrison, or the returning wingers need to take into account too.
West Ham thankfully look absolutely terrible right now, so we have a huge opportunity to get back to winning ways if we can address this poor finishing.
Some Barcelona-esque composure would be just the tonic.
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