{"id":226512,"date":"2025-10-26T13:26:12","date_gmt":"2025-10-26T13:26:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/226512\/"},"modified":"2025-10-26T13:26:12","modified_gmt":"2025-10-26T13:26:12","slug":"ao-tanaka-now-boasts-an-all-time-leeds-united-record-after-starring-in-win-v-west-ham","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/226512\/","title":{"rendered":"Ao Tanaka now boasts an all-time Leeds United record after starring in win v West Ham"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Leeds United secured their third win of the Premier League season on Friday night, and it came just at the right time for Daniel Farke\u2019s men, who made four changes to his starting line-up.<\/p>\n

Pressure was starting to build on Daniel Farke<\/a>. Aidy White said Farke needed a win before the November break<\/a> while LeedsUnited.News understands the pressure was set to ramp up on Farke if West Ham won<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But that has all evaporated for the time being. Farke watched his side beat West Ham comfortably, with the Hammers only scoring in injury time. His decision to make four changes paid off on Friday night.<\/p>\n

One was Ao Tanaka<\/a>, who started his first game since the defeat to Arsenal, in which the Japan star picked up a knee injury. Since, the midfield has consisted of Ethan Ampadu, Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach.<\/p>\n

\"AoPhoto by Robbie Jay Barratt \u2013 AMA\/Getty ImagesAo Tanaka breaks all-time Leeds record with win over West Ham<\/p>\n

Tanaka is a fan favourite, and with Stach struggling for form of late, Farke decided to bring Tanaka into the starting line-up. Stach had been playing with a broken finger and a rib injury<\/a>, Farke opting to rest him.<\/p>\n

But Tanaka, lasting 72 minutes on the night, broke an all-time record in Leeds\u2019 history by starting in the victory. No other Leeds player, ever, has won as many as 18 of their first 20 league starts at Elland Road<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Opta\u2019s Jonny Cooper reports: \u201cAo Tanaka\u2019s 20th league start at Elland Road and the 18th time he\u2019s ended on the winning side \u2013 an all-time Leeds record for wins in a player\u2019s first 20 league starts at Elland Road.\u201d<\/p>\n

Today was Ao Tanaka’s 20th league start at Elland Road and the 18th time he’s ended on the winning side in those games \u2013 an all-time #lufc<\/a> record for wins in a player’s first 20 league starts at Elland Road. pic.twitter.com\/Tu7KlFgoKO<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Jonny Cooper (@JRCooper26) October 24, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n

View Tweet<\/p>\n

MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES<\/p>\n

Ao Tanaka\u2019s stats in Leeds United\u2019s win against West Ham<\/p>\n

Tanaka continues to prove that he is of Premier League standard despite costing Leeds a bargain fee of just \u00a33.4m, a little over a year ago. D\u00fcsseldorf must be kicking themselves having sold Tanaka so cheaply.<\/p>\n

Tanaka\u2019s start comes after complaining of a lack of game time. He will be delighted to start again, and to top it off, the only Leeds player to win as many as 18 league games in his first 20 Elland Road starts.<\/p>\n

Ao Tanaka\u2019s stats for Leeds in win against West Ham:<\/p>\n

72 minutes played, 6.5 FotMob<\/a> ratingXG+XA: 0.08, three touches in West Ham box37 touches, 25\/29 successful passes (85%)Three defensive contributions, one interceptionOne duel won, two lost<\/p>\n

The likelihood is that come Brighton next Saturday, Tanaka will be in the starting line-up and retain his place ahead of Stach. While a win was key against West Ham, Brighton away will be a much tougher test.<\/p>\n