Leeds United lost their first game of the New Year away to Newcastle United midweek. Their run of six games without a loss was finally ended at St. James’ Park.
Daniel Farke and the players had managed to turn their season around; their system change helped them get results against some big sides including Chelsea and Crystal Palace. Their run of form saw them pick up two points in their last two games, shutting out Liverpool at Anfield in a 0-0 draw and taking a point from Manchester United.
Unlike the last two games, this week’s clash was more open-ended. It was an end-to-end game full of goals. Brenden Aaronson scored a brace, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin continued his fine form this season. But Newcastle triumphed thanks to a Harvey Barnes brace and goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.
Brenden Aaronson speaks on penalty in Leeds United game
Leeds were actually leading at 90 minutes, then a controversial moment changed the game. The Magpies were given a late penalty as Brenden Aaronson was deemed to have handled the ball in the box. Newcastle eventually levelled the game, and Harvey Barnes got the winner deep into added time.
Aaronson, who was deemed to have committed the foul, said it was outside the box in his post-match reaction on LUTV:
“I’m really happy with that side of things (the two goals), of course, the person that I am, I’m devastated that I get a little bit unlucky and get a handball that’s outside of the box, you know, I’m that sort of person that I take a responsibility like that and it’s tough in the moment but I’m going to take the positives and I think the team will take the positives and we’ll go from there.”
Many will argue that if Eddie Howe’s side did not get the late equalizer, then the Whites would have gotten a result at St. James’ Park.
Midfielder has thrived in new role
Brenden Aaronson has come under a lot of scrutiny this year; his spell on the right wing frustrated fans. He spent some time on the bench, before being thrust back into the starting lineup recently.
| Statistic | |
|---|---|
| Games | 20 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Successful dribbles per game | 0.8 |
| Big chances created | 5 |
In a more central role that sees him operating around the striker, he has been able to showcase his abilities. The midfielder can carry the ball and link up play as well as find small pocket of spaces to finish. If he can keep this form up, Leeds will not need to over rely on Dominic Calvert-Lewin for goals.
Except it wasn’t outside the box, as VAR clearly showed. The dodgy penalty was their centre half being called for putting hands down after DCL pushed him over