Daniel Farke will wake up on Saturday morning feeling relieved that Leeds United got the job done against a side they were expected to beat, but still had to go out and do it.
Paul Merson predicted a 2-0 win for Leeds, and the Arsenal icon was seconds away from getting his prediction bang on. Manuel Fernandes’ consolation will have frustrated Farke, but it is three points.
Farke needed his players to step up, and they shot out of the blocks, with Brenden Aaronson seemingly unfazed by the criticism he has received for his miss against Burnley. He opened the scoring early on.
Joe Rodon nodded a Sean Longstaff corner into the back of the net, and it was always going to be a Leeds win from that moment on. Speaking after the match, Farke picked his own Leeds Man of the Match.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty ImagesDaniel Farke picks ‘polarising’ Brenden Aaronson as MOTM
Many thought Aaronson should be dropped after missing a big chance against Burnley. While Farke made four changes to his Leeds side, Aaronson remained with Willy Gnonto injured and Dan James recovering.
Not only did Aaronson get his goal, but the American was excellent throughout the night. Speaking to both LUTV and in his post-match press conference, Farke picked Aaronson as his Man of the Match.
He told Tony Dorigo and Bryn Law on LUTV: “Brenden Aaronson, MOTM performance, outstanding against the ball. Also, for his confidence, great for him to get his goal. An important, crucial goal.”
In his press conference, he said: “He polarises at times. He can have more clarity in his actions, but we need to back him. Missed chance v Burnley; got so much stick. So pleased for him. Many good situations.”
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Brenden Aaronson’s stats for Leeds United v West Ham
It is fair to say that Leeds fans do not believe Aaronson has ever been close to repaying the £25m fee that Leeds paid, back in 2022. But there are glimpses, and Leeds fans love an underdog. Aaronson is that.
It is a surprise that Aaronson has started the last six Premier League games. But Farke appreciates the USA star for his off-the-ball work. He said Aaronson would be at Barcelona if he could attack like he defends.
Brenden Aaronson’s stats for Leeds in win v West Ham:
87 minutes played, 8.3 FotMob rating (best on pitch)XG+XA: 0.83, nine defensive contributionsThree shots, 3/3 successful dribbles, 2 touches in West Ham box38 touches, 11/15 successful passes (73%)Three tackles, two interceptions, four recoveriesEight duels won, four lost
But Aaronson is growing in confidence, with the American fighting for much more than Leeds’ survival this season. He has a home World Cup he wants to be a part of, and Friday night will improve his chances.