Leeds United’s 2-1 win over West Ham United pushed them further away from relegation woes in a huge six-pointer in the Premier League. And one star’s change in playing style means that Daniel Farke now has a huge call ahead of the away trip to Brighton on Saturday.
Leeds needed their rearguard to remain strong in stoppage time, as West Ham pushed on to deny them a huge win in the Premier League, but they did just that to take three valuable points.
It came after a disappointing 2-0 loss to Burnley the week prior, which re-opened relegation woes after no win in three for Daniel Farke.
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But his decision to include Brenden Aaronson – and use him differently against the beleaguered Hammers – was a stroke of genius and it now poses him with a huge call to make ahead of Saturday’s clash on the south coast.
Leeds United v Southampton FC - Premier League
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Brenden Aaronson faltered for Leeds at Burnley but came back with a bang vs West Ham
Brenden Aaronson wasn’t at his best against Burnley earlier in the month. Presented with a big chance as the Clarets led 1-0, his feeble effort was kept out by Martin Dubravka and Leeds failed to turn the screw before Loum Tchaouna scored to double the home advantage.
Aaronson was replaced by Daniel James with 25 minutes to go, and the difference was vast. Aaronson had completed just three crosses in the game, failing to supply Dominic Calvert-Lewin with any clear-cut chances, and James immediately changed that by producing eight in just under half an hour.
But Farke changed that against West Ham. The German opted for a less possession-based style. Leeds attempted 691 passes against Burnley, but only 404 against West Ham – which worked in Aaronson’s favour.
Instead, that passing-based style meant West Ham couldn’t turn the ball over, and Aaronson was Leeds’ leading crosser with four.
His early goal set the tone, and it was the American’s work rate which grabbed him a scrappy opener. As a result, James was only introduced in the 87th minute.
With West Ham scoring in that time, it means Aaronson has given his boss a huge dilemma which he needs to act on.
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke celebrates after beating West Ham in the Premier League
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Brenden Aaronson is still on last-chance saloon at Leeds
That isn’t to say that Brenden Aaronson is out of the woods just yet. There was reason for Dan James to start for Leeds after the Burnley loss.
Leeds have generally been better when James had played, and with just five goal contributions in 45 Premier League games, it’s not enough output to keep Leeds in the top-flight.
Competition Brenden Aaronson – Appearances Brenden Aaronson – Goal contributions
Premier League 45 5
Championship 46 11
FA Cup 4 0
Carabao Cup 2 0
However, former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch said Aaronson is one of the easiest players to coach in the world, and Farke certainly got a tune out of him on Friday.
Ex-RB Salzburg star Aaronson signed for Leeds three years ago and has yet to win fans over, but he’s slowly getting there. That will continue with these performances.