Much of the post-match discussion, as Leeds United fought from 2-0 down to claim a point at Queens Park Rangers, centred on two of Daniel Farke’s wingers.
While Willy Gnonto made a big impact off the bench – he played a key role in Jayden Bogle’s 51st minute equaliser while producing perhaps his most effective performance yet in a number ten role – Manor Solomon’s trip to the capital was not quite so enjoyable.
As his number appeared on the fourth official’s board, Solomon threw up his hands in frustration and trudged off the pitch.
Why don’t you let us know how you really feel, Manor…
Solomon was clearly not having his best game. Yet, the Tottenham Hotspur loanee is still capable of pulling rabbits out of hats, and his removal with 84 minutes on the clock and Leeds United chasing a winner did seem maybe a little strange on Farke’s part.
Brenden Aaronson ‘disappointed’ by half-time sub in Leeds United draw
Solomon was not the only Leeds player frustrated to exit stage left, however.
Brenden Aaronson had Daniel Farke’s backing in midweek. His Millwall display, the manager said, was Aaronson’s ‘best performance in weeks’.
Three days later, Aaronson’s long wait for a Championship assist came to an end, albeit not in the way he wanted. His loose pass was rifled home by Koki Saito as QPR took the lead early on.
Aaronson – Jon Newsome said Leeds looked like a team ‘playing with ten men’ in the opening 45 – would not return for the second-half. He was replaced at the interval by Gnonto.
There wasn’t quite the same public display of frustration from him but, still, he and Solomon may both have a few awkward conversations with Farke to look forward to.
“We showed resilience today and togetherness and found one or two more gears during the game. QPR are really good at home,” Farke begins. “[But I was] not happy with first 25 minutes.
“Brenden was disappointed [to be taken off]. He always puts a shift in.”
Farke speaks out on Manor Solomon reaction as Leeds earn battling QPR draw
As ever, Aaronson’s work rate could not be questioned. His quality, however, well that is a different matter.
Farke was unwilling to aim the microscope at Solomon, meanwhile, when quizzed on his furious reaction to be replaced by Largie Ramazani late on. At least publicly, anyway.
The former Norwich City, Dortmund and Borussia Monchengladbach coach is long enough in the tooth to know that some discussions are best kept behind closed doors and away from prying eyes.
“Manor is always unhappy when he doesn’t play the full game. I quite like this attitude. Today, he created a lot,” Farke says before explaining Ramazani’s introduction.
“I was hoping for one lucky punch from Ramazani because he can play some magic. It was not to be today. Five mins after game, everyone calmed down. I have a great group.
“I hope the international players come back without injuries. It will allow some players closer to the team. [The international break] is beneficial for us to recharge.”
On a day of mixed emotions for the Yorkshire outfit, Daniel Farke admitted he maybe should have started Ilia Gruev in West London. Leeds missed his physicality in the centre of the park.
Given the circumstances, though, this is still a ‘good point’ on the road against a side who smashed Leeds 4-0 eleven months ago.
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