Leeds United have gone 10 games unbeaten in all competitions after Sunday’s 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday, as The Whites returned to the top of the Championship table.
Goals from Manor Solomon, Largie Ramazani and Ao Tanaka saw Leeds secure a 16th Championship win of the season, and a 17th clean sheet. Illan Meslier was under-fire, but the Frenchman did well on Sunday.
The scoreline may have flattered Leeds but with 19 league games left to play, it is all about getting results and points on the board. Leeds got the job done with a late flourish ahead of Norwich on Wednesday.
There were some excellent performances on Sunday. Ethan Ampadu was Sky’s Man of the Match while Jayden Bogle sparkled on the right, and Ramazani secured two goal involvements during his cameo role.
Aidy White raves about Ao Tanaka’s immediate Leeds impact
Another was Tanaka, who continued in midfield given Pascal Struijk’s injury. It saw Ampadu drop into defence alongside Joe Rodon, leaving Tanaka and Joe Rothwell to dictate the midfield at Elland Road.
They did just that once again, even if Sheffield Wednesday caused problems at times. He rounded off his display with a gorgeous flick into the net for Leeds’ third, and Aidy White heaped praise on the player.
Bought for £3.4m from Dusseldorf, White told BBC Radio Leeds: “He’s quality in terms of on the ball, his range of passing. He’s composed, he’s tidy, he’s really sharp. An amazing find speaking of recruitment.
“But to make a statement as he is doing in the Championship – he’s been terrific so far. One of the main things fan can see is his personality, likeability. For sure, he’s a real asset,” former Leeds star White said.
Ao Tanaka’s stats for Leeds in win against Sheffield Wednesday
A bargain at £3.4m, the Japan star has mixed a combative defensive approach with top-tier technicality that is unlikely to go unnoticed. Tanaka’s agent has already said he is ready to play in the Premier League.
Ao Tanaka’s stats as Leeds beat Sheffield Wednesday:
- 90 minutes played, FotMob rating: 8.5 (best player on pitch)
- One goal, expected goals and assists: 0.65
- 75 touches, 55 successful passes, 64 attempted (86%)
- Seven defensive actions, three tackles, two recoveries, one block
- Four duels won (out of eight), two fouls committed
With 19 games left to play, Leeds are well-positioned to get promoted and Tanaka will play a crucial role in that. But, if Leeds don’t go up, you can imagine Tanaka will be one Leeds player that is targeted.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
