Leeds United duo Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon were named in Troy Deeney’s Team of the Week after their goalscoring performances at home to West Ham.
The good mood has promptly been restored at Leeds thanks to a crucial home win against West Ham at Elland Road on Friday night.
United knew they had to win to ease pressure on Daniel Farke, while that would simultaneously heap misery on their counterparts.
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Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon’s blitz stuns West Ham at Elland Road
It took Leeds no time at all to get into the lead on Friday night. An energetic start saw Leeds shift the ball wide to Jayden Bogle, whose delightful cross was met by Noah Okafor. The Swiss winger’s header was parried, but only into the path of the arriving Brenden Aaronson, who swept in the opener from close range.
This goal was Aaronson’s 10th since the start of last season, all coming in familiar fashion, crashing into the box and finishing off a flowing move.
Leeds United attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson put in a superb showing against West Ham. (REUTERS/Chris Radburn)
Not long after, Leeds doubled their lead with what’s becoming a familiar story of Joe Rodon and set pieces. Sean Longstaff’s cross went into a superb area, and Rodon powered in for his fourth goal since June for club and country.
United held on for a massive win. Farke seemingly instructed his side to sit a little deeper than the Elland Road crowd would have liked. That said, the Irons got their consolation on the cusp of stoppage time and failed to stage a real comeback.
Troy Deeney names Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon in Premier League Team of the Week
It was an all-round immense display from both of Leeds’ goalscorers. For Rodon, it was a continuation of his imperious form at the back. But for Aaronson, a much-needed confidence booster after a tough couple of weeks.
BBC and talkSPORT pundit Troy Deeney delivered his verdict on the Premier League Team of the Week from the recent action. He included Rodon, and he said:
“He was a mountain. A great header for his goal but it was more about the pressure they were under in a huge game against West Ham at Elland Road on a Friday. You have to go into those games and just dominate. He adapted himself, he’s started to find his feet and show he is capable of playing to a really good level.”
As he also included Aaronson, he said:
“I think that was a huge call to put him in. There has been a bit of a call for him to be dropped. He gets the opening goal, missed a few chances in weeks before, but it was a monstrous performance. He stepped up into the game and took the initiative to say ‘I’m going to be the difference maker today’. He showed why he should be in that Leeds team.”
Brenden Aaronson repays Daniel Farke’s faith with outstanding performance
Prior to the game, I’m not ashamed to admit I was one of those calling for Aaronson to come out. A returning Dan James seemed the way to go.
It’s clear Leeds are dying for a natural right-winger to help complete their attack. In the meantime, strong performances from Aaronson are a must.
Leeds absolutely needed that win. Aaronson, though, grabbed it by the scruff of the neck throughout. His dazzling run nearly resulted in what would have been the goal of the season in the second half. His effort kissing the top of the crossbar.
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