Saturday’s win over Derby County and the control Leeds United had over Paul Warne’s side was a stark contrast to their defeat at Blackburn Rovers the weekend prior, at Ewood Park.
Josuha Guilavogui has alluded to the need for Leeds to improve away, and it was evident at Blackburn last weekend. But one thing is for sure, is that Leeds can be relied upon to go and pick up a victory at home.
An eleventh win and an eleventh clean sheet saw Leeds ease past newly-promoted Derby, in the first meeting of the Spygate rivals since July 2020 when Derby gave Leeds a guard of honour after promotion.
Leeds sit top of the Championship table on Sunday morning ahead of Sheffield United’s clash against West Brom. It might be that if The Baggies win, Leeds will retain first place going into midweek fixtures.
Simon Grayson raves about Ao Tanaka after watching Leeds win
Former Leeds manager Grayson was in attendance on Saturday as Joe Rodon and Max Wober opened their accounts for The Whites. Two first-half goals that proved to be enough for Leeds to secure victory.
Tanaka endured his worst performance in a Leeds shirt at Blackburn but he bounced back against Derby with a display that Leeds fans have come to expect from the Japan star since his £3.4m summer arrival.
Grayson was on co-commentary duties for LUTV on Saturday and he raved about Tanaka, mesmerised by Tanaka again: “So impressed with Tanaka again. Since he’s come to the club, he’s looked a top top player.
“He keeps it simple, keeps it moving. He fills in the gaps, he does the side of the game that not a lot of people will feel is his key strength. Understands the game so well, reads it so well. A massive influence.”
Ao Tanaka’s stats for Leeds United in win against Derby
Bought as more of an attacking midfielder, Tanaka has sparkled at the base of the midfield with Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev injured. He’s not only had to adapt to a new league and country, but position too.
Ao Tanaka’s stats for Leeds against Derby:
- FotMob rating: 7.7 (fourth-highest on Saturday)
- 86 touches, 69 completed passes, 77 attempted
- One tackles, four defensive actions, three recoveries
- Four duels out of seven
But it comes as no surprise to Farke that Tanaka is shining. Indeed, Farke nicknamed him “Tiger” Tanaka in reference to 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Twice. Farke said he wanted Tanaka 12 months prior.
Ampadu was back on the bench on Saturday but the chances are that the Welshman will still have a few weeks to wait until he is fit enough and has the required match sharpness to start again for Farke’s side.
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