A frustrating afternoon for Leeds United but a point that fans have accepted is not the end of the world, as Daniel Farke’s side kept a clean sheet in what was a physical clash against Bristol City.
Leeds had plenty of chances to make it three wins from three, having beaten Sheffield United and Watford in their last two games. But Dan James missed a big chance, as did a number of other stars.
But it sees Leeds secure a seventh clean sheet in 12 games, and remain in third place in the table. Leeds are still on level points with Burnley who failed to beat QPR, but it was a game Leeds should have won.
Darren Bent and Danny Mills had concerns with Leeds in their push for promotion after the full-time whistle, but there were promising signs from the draw too – and one of those was Brenden Aaronson.
Brenden Aaronson tops unlikely stat as Leeds star shows change
The 24-year-old has had an exhausting couple of weeks. It was only last Wednesday that Aaronson was turning out for the United States against Mexico. He’s since played three games for Farke’s Leeds.
Four games in the space of 10 days for the American, who will be relieved to see there is no midweek game for Leeds. But, there are also signs of improvement for Aaronson, who has been often criticised.
When signed for £25m, Aaronson was slammed for his lack of physicality. His slim frame that seemed unable to cope with the rigours of English football, but on Saturday afternoon he showed improvement.
Indeed, no other player – Leeds, or Bristol City – won more duels on Saturday than Aaronson. He won nine duels, and while he lost 11, that is a big improvement for a player that is often questioned physically.
Tony Dorigo’s summer comments now beginning to ring true
Aaronson of course, spent last season in Germany with Union Berlin on loan. Tony Dorigo said in pre-season that while Aaronson he had put weight on in muscle to help him keep the ball, while in Germany.
It is now beginning to show. Aaronson is always going to lose duels or possession given he is in the thick of things as a no.10, but his ability to win the ball back has been evident even throughout this season.
But not many could have expected Aaronson to be top of the tree on Saturday in terms of duels won. It does show his work rate and his willingness to make this work for Leeds, and win the fans back over.
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