No player could really come out of Sunday’s loss to Portsmouth and say they had a good game during the 1-0 defeat, with Leeds United looking a shadow of their normal selves.
A lot of that can be attributed to a brilliant performance from Portsmouth and a tactical masterclass from manager John Mousinho, who utilised a high press and played on the Fratton Park atmosphere to win.
Leeds had chances and had Joel Piroe had his shooting boots on, Daniel Farke’s side would have surely won. That, or had ref Rob Jones given a penalty for a foul on Dan James by Matt Ritchie in the first 45.
Lucy Ward and Lee Hendrie felt it should have been a penalty, but Portsmouth were worthy of their win – just a fourth league defeat of the season for Leeds. But the stats show one Leeds player struggled, again.
Brenden Aaronson lost all seven of his duels on Sunday afternoon
Piroe missed chances, Leeds fans thought Ao Tanaka’s display was his worst in a Leeds shirt and even Joe Rodon has had to take some blame for his role in Colby Bishop’s goal – which proved to be the only goal.
But Aaronson was a passenger again. The USA star started a 34th consecutive Championship game but has now gone six games without a goal or assist and against Portsmouth, he struggled to get involved.
Just 20 touches throughout – 70 less than Pascal Struijk and Rodon (90) – Aaronson lost all seven of his duels. It was another performance that passed Aaronson by and it isn’t the first time it has happened.
Brenden Aaronson’s stats for Leeds vs Portsmouth:
- 68 minutes played, FotMob rating of 5.7 (same as Tanaka and Dan James)
- XG+XA of 0.1, just one touch in opposition box
- 11 successful passes, four misplaced, three into opposition box
- Just two defensive actions, 0 tackles
- 0 duels won, seven lost
It has been a long time coming but Aaronson must be axed
Even those of a staunch defence of Aaronson and those who understand his ability to turn in transition must now admit that Aaronson needs taking out of the firing line. Often, it is like Leeds play with 10 men.
Unable to exert his energy into anything good, Daniel Farke needs to try something new when Leeds host Millwall at Elland Road on Wednesday night. Perhaps, Joel Piroe in the 10 and Mateo Joseph up front.
Or, agreeing with fans finally and giving Wilfried Gnonto a run out from the start in attacking midfield. If Farke chooses to drop Aaronson, it will be the first time he is not starting a league game since August.
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