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Leeds United produced one of their most spirited performances of the season, battling to a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa and moving six points clear of the relegation places.
Up against a Villa side with their sights set on the Champions League, the Whites showed grit and composure in equal measure. They matched the hosts for intensity, stayed compact when it mattered and refused to let the pressure get to them. The point felt significant, not just because of the cushion it provides, but because of the growing sense of belief within the squad.
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Anton Stach’s superb free-kick midway through the first half gave Leeds the lead at Villa Park, and for long spells it looked as though that piece of quality would be enough to secure a huge away win. However, Tammy Abraham’s late equaliser ensured the points were shared.
However, it was not all positive for every player, and one Leeds star’s summer departure became more of a reality at Villa Park on Saturday.
Daniel Farke snub to push Ao Tanaka out of Leeds
Tanaka was considered the Championship’s best midfielder last season and played a huge role in getting the Whites promoted to the Premier League.
However, the Japan midfielder is not even getting an opportunity from the substitute’s bench in recent weeks, especially in Premier League games.
He didn’t come on from the bench for the fourth league game in a row in Leeds’ 1-1 draw against Aston Villa in the Midlands on Saturday.
While Leeds were happy to leave Villa Park with a point in their bag, Tanaka is likely to wonder when he will again get a chance to play in the Premier League.
Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, Sean Longstaff and Ilia Gruev are ahead of the Japanese in the pecking order of midfielders in the top flight.
Brenden Aaronson is playing as the attacking midfielder, and it seems certain that Tanaka is no longer an important part of the squad.
Tanaka’s summer departure seems inevitable
Tanaka has not started a Premier League game since the end of December and has remained an unused substitute in the last four league games.
There are at least four midfielders who are ahead of the Japanese for a role in the middle of the park, and it appears Tanaka is no longer a key player.
Competition Matches Goals Minutes Played
Premier League 20 2 743
FA Cup 2 1 168
Total 22 3 911
Leeds are also looking to add one more midfielder and are interested in signing Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney in the next summer transfer window.
Tanaka is likely to be surplus to requirements, and Farke’s snub at Villa Park showed that the Japanese would be allowed to move on in the coming months.
He has been a major fan favourite. However, it seems Farke has decided that Tanaka is not good enough to play in the Premier League.