Leeds United remain top of the Championship table despite failing to beat Hull City on Saturday despite leading by two goals, but the gap has collapsed to a single point.
It was a game of ups and downs. A dismal first-half showing that still could have seen Leeds score goals, but ended up going in at the break 1-0 down. Then, a second-half that saw Leeds score three times.
Ao Tanaka got his first goal for The Whites with a stunning, curling effort. Joel Piroe reached double digits for Leeds this season, scoring his tenth. Dan James continued his excellent form despite a shaky outing.
But question marks continue to surround Illan Meslier. Leeds fans are once again fuming with Meslier after he was at fault for arguably, all three goals on Saturday as Leeds’ lead at the top was slashed.
Ao Tanaka posts on Instagram after scoring first Leeds goal
Tanaka finally got his name on the score sheet, the first of any of Leeds’ six central midfielders this term, with a genuine stunner from 20 yards out. None of Daniel Farke’s other five midfielders have netted.
Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Joe Rothwell, Charlie Crew and Josuha Guilavogui all remain goalless but the Japan star is now off the mark and after the match, he had a message for his Leeds teammates and fans.
He posted on his Instagram page, telling the Leeds squad what they “need”: “This is not what we wanted.
But finally I could score the goal. Believe in ourselves, need togetherness and stay humble,” he said.
Ao Tanaka sends message to Daniel Farke with Saturday display
With Ethan Ampadu back in the side, Farke has a decision to make. When all are fit, who does he play as his midfield two? Ampadu of course, starts. But who goes alongside the Leeds captain in the middle.
Ao Tanaka’s stats for Leeds in draw against Hull:
- 90 minutes played, FotMob rating of 7.7 (third-best on pitch)
- One goal despite XG of 0.04, four touches in Hull box
- 64 touches, 40 successful passes, 45 attempted passes
- 10 defensive actions, one tackle, five clearances
- Incredibly, nine duels won out of 10
Farke brought both Tanaka and Rothwell in in the summer as he wanted more goals from the middle. In Rothwell, he got a set-piece specialist that scored four goals during a half-season loan at Southampton.
Tanaka had a hand in 12 goals for German side Dussesldorf last term. But it was Tanaka on Saturday, that gave Farke a message – and that message was, that he is the man to start with Ampadu when all are fit.
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