The race for promotion took another intriguing twist on Saturday afternoon as Leeds United failed to win against Luton Town – but Sheffield United suffered a shock defeat to Oxford United.
Leeds and Burnley were in action at lunchtime on Saturday, with Leeds going to in-form Luton while The Clarets went to Frank Lampard’s Burnley. Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United were away at Oxford United.
Both Leeds and Burnley went behind, but Burnley managed to secure three points and win 2-1 at the CBS Arena while Dan James’ goal was all Leeds could muster. Sheffield United were stunned by Oxford United.
So, Leeds now sit in third – a point behind Sheffield United and two off Burnley. With six games to go, the race for automatic promotion is incredibly tight and the pressure is beginning to tell on his Leeds players.
Ao Tanaka’s mistakes laid bare by Daniel Farke on Saturday
Tanaka popped up to score a crucial second for Leeds away at Sheffield United during a 3-1 win but since his well-placed header, it is fair to saw the Japan star has been miles from the high standards he has set.
A poor display at Portsmouth and failing to make an impact at QPR, Tanaka played for Japan during the March international break. Japanese media actually criticised Tanaka during a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia.
A sub against Swansea, Tanaka played a role in both of Swansea’s goals. He conceded a corner that led to Harry Darling’s goal, while losing a duel before the Welsh’s side second goal last weekend, drawing 2-2.
On Saturday, Tanaka lost the ball in midfield and allowed a Luton counter-attack – Isaiah Jones scoring for the home side. Farke was questioned about Tanaka’s recent form and admitted it had been “patchy”.
“I wouldn’t say [off it] too much. In the few decisive moments, he’s not there with a perfect decision. Last game, he gave an unneccessary corner away, one v one battle for the second goal and then today.
“He’s so aware, so many good counter-pressing scenes when he wins the ball. Today, he underestimated the decision today. He’s not used to 46 games, but in the first 10-15 games he wasn’t involved so much.
“A patchy period of the season, sadly he has to go through it. We’d like him to play an immaculate season but it’s football, they’re not robots, they’re human beings. Important player in the run-in, has my trust.”
Ao Tanaka’s stats for Leeds in draw against Luton Town
There is no doubt that Tanaka has dropped off in the last few games, but he is certainly not the only one. Manor Solomon, Joel Piroe, even Dan James before his goal on Saturday had not been at their best.
But that is what comes with setting the bar high. This quartet of players have been brilliant for large spells of the season, so when they do drop off in form, it is more noticeable than an average player struggling.
Leeds have got to put it right come Tuesday night when they take on Middlesbrough. Farke’s men are running out of games to get points on the board and were saved today by Sheffield United losing 1-0.
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