Leeds United secured a third 2-0 Championship win of the season on Saturday as Daniel Farke’s men eased past 10-man Cardiff City in Wales, bouncing back after defeat to Burnley.
Prior to the game, there were a number of doubts. But Joe Rodon, Junior Firpo and Joe Rothwell were all in action despite being of concern. Patrick Bamford returned to the bench after a hamstring problem.
Injuries to Max Wober, Dan James and Manor Solomon did not stop Leeds from securing a win and a clean sheet as Largie Ramazani and Joel Piroe scored. Mateo Joseph and Brenden Aaronson assisting.
Leeds did not have to play anywhere near their best to get the win, and Farke did bemoan his side’s lack of cutting edge in the final third. Farke said he felt Leeds should have wrapped the game up a lot earlier.
Tanaka impresses once again in third Leeds cameo role
The Japan star has now made three appearances off the bench in the final few minutes, having done so previously against Hull and Burnley. On Saturday, Tanaka was subbed on in the 90th minute of the match.
With nine minutes of injury time played, Tanaka impressed on the ball. The midfielder completed all 25 of his attempted 25 passes, which astoundingly, was far more than any Cardiff player throughout the match.
Only one outfield Cardiff player attempted 25 passes according to WhoScored, in Calum Chambers. But he only completed 13 of those, while stopper Jak Alnwick attempted 35 but only eight were successful.
Tanaka is getting closer and closer to first Leeds start
Certainly, his late cameo in Wales will do Tanaka no harm. Willing to get on the ball, passes forward and tries not only to make an impression but also, make things happen in the final third and join the attack.
He is still waiting for his first start behind Ilia Gruev, who despite last season playing in the Ethan Ampadu holding-midfield role, is now being tasked with the more attacking box-to-box position next to Ampadu.
Jon Newsome said Gruev is too negative for that role yesterday, while Neil Redfearn recently said that he expects Gruev will be dropped for Tanaka. The latter’s impressive late role edges him closer to a first start.
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