Leeds United fans and players were delighted to see Brenden Aaronson not only score, but net the winner for Leeds United in their win over Derby County on Sunday evening.
With just over 10 minutes left to play, Leeds were staring down the barrel of a frustrating 0-0 at Derby. But a gorgeous passage of play resulted in Brenden Aaronson scoring his seventh goal of the season.
Substitutes Manor Solomon and Joel Piroe combined to set up Aaronson, and he finished with aplomb. A goal that saw Illan Meslier compare Aaronson to Thierry Henry after the game, on his Instagram post.
A pumped-up Aaronson celebrated with his chest puffed out, a goal that clearly meant a lot to him as he jumped into the arms of a handful of Leeds substitutes warming up. Leeds go two points clear at the top.
What Joe Rodon and Illan Meslier did after Leeds goal v Derby
Aaronson peeled off and celebrated with Leeds’ substitutes but at the other end of the pitch, Joe Rodon and Illan Meslier celebrated in a different way. It was noticed by Jonathan Buchan and Jon Newsome.
Speaking after the win on BBC Radio Leeds, the duo shared how they had both noticed Leeds duo Rodon and Meslier sprint towards the Leeds fans to celebrate with them following Aaronson’s 79th-minute goal.
Presenter Buchan asked Newsome if he had seen Meslier and Rodon: “You noticed when the goal went in, Joe Rodon’s reaction. He went over to the fans, he ran to our right 50 yards to be with the fans.”
Newsome replied: “Sprinted! Not just run, he sprinted. I thought where is he going? Him and Meslier celebrated in front of the Leeds fans, the complete opposite corner to where the players had scored.
“You love to see it. Players have bought into the club, the fanbase, the history, the journey. That’s what you want,” former Leeds defender Newsome continued, having watched Rodon and Meslier celebrate.
How the League table looks, and how Leeds compare to last term
So, Leeds strengthen their position at the top of the table after Sheffield United, Sunderland and Burnley all dropped points in the 24th round of Championship fixtures. The Whites are now two points clear.
Interestingly though, Leeds are three points better off at the top of the Championship table than they were last season. Not only that, but Leeds sit top rather than trailing Ipswich and Leicester in third.
If promotion looked a distinct possibility last season, then Leeds are in an excellent position this time around as Daniel Farke eyes a third promotion to the Premier League, and a third Championship title.
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