Leeds United fans will be waking up feeling defeated on Sunday morning after another frustrating result and another match where they are bemoaning Daniel Farke’s faith in Illan Meslier.
He looked like he had won redemption from Leeds fans somewhat in the first half, saving Josh Tymon’s penalty. But then he dropped a clanger from a corner and Harry Darling netted his second vs Leeds.
Brenden Aaronson’s opener canceled out, and then Willy Gnonto’s sixth of the season proved ineffective when Meslier failed to stop a hit-and-hope shot from Zan Vipotnik. But, there were some Leeds positives.
Three winners from Leeds United’s draw against Swansea City
Joe Rothwell shows the Ilia Gruev-side to his game
The issue with Joe Rothwell is that the on-loan midfielder was seen as a bit of a luxury player. Excellent at Elland Road, the conductor of an orchestra but lacking the defensive know how and physicality required.
But actually, that’s just not the case. Earlier in the season, Rothwell said Leeds lacked defensive nous with no Ilia Gruev or Ethan Ampadu but he showed again on Saturday he can now do both sides of the game.
Joe Rothwell’s stats for Leeds in 2-2 draw vs Swansea:
- 90 minutes played, 7.7 FotMob rating (Leeds’ best)
- 4/4 successful dribbles, four chances created
- 66 touches, 44 successful passes, 51 attempted
- Five defensive actions, one interception, two recoveries
- Seven duels won, none lost
It is that last stat that stands out. Rarely, does a player ever win all 100% of their duels yet Rothwell was unbeatable both in the air and in the tackle on Saturday. Rothwell is proving Leeds should spend £7.5m.
Brenden Aaronson proves Mauricio Pochettino wrong
Most would have understood if Aaronson had been benched against Swansea, even the man himself. But Willy Gnonto’s injury on Italy U21 duty probably handed Aaronson a starting XI reprieve from the axe.
But he took it with both hands on Saturday. His goal drought ended, Aaronson netted within 40 seconds after Farke said Aaronson looked recharged in training and he boasted Leeds’ second-best FotMob rating.
A rating of 7.5, when’s averaged less than 7 all season. A good performance from Aaronson, who will have enjoyed a secret smile when USA lost to Panama and Canada after Mauricio Pochettino left Aaronson out.
Willy Gnonto has simply got to start at Luton
Gnonto starred off the bench at QPR, creating Leeds’ second with the pre-assist. Then, he comes off the bench – not 100% fit – and scores with one of his first touches. Farke considered starting Gnonto.
The Leeds manager says that the injury hampered any plans to start Gnonto but the Italian has got to come in against Luton, with six days likely to give him the rest he requires to overcome the problem.
Manor Solomon and Dan James looked tired and burnt out on Saturday and it is time for Gnonto to come in and remind Leeds fans why he has 13 Italy caps to his name. He could be the spark Leeds now need.
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