Leeds United returned from the international break and immediately took control of the promotion race in the league.
With Sheffield United and Sunderland dropping points on Saturday, Leeds took advantage and beat Swansea City to go top of the table. It was a nervy 4-3 win away from home but the club’s fans will be delighted they came back from the break with a bang. A late winner from Wilfried Gnonto was enough to seal all three points on Sunday.
Swansea took a shock lead in the 8th minute when Harry Darling scored before Manor Solomon equalized just 12 minutes later. The Swans took a 2-1 lead into the halftime break courtesy of Liam Cullen. Ben Cabango scored an own goal to put Leeds in the lead right after the first half before Manor Solomon made it 3-2. Florian Bianchini though he had secured a draw, but a late goal from Wilfried Gnonto won the game.
QUIZ: Can you name the missing player from these 10 famous Leeds United photos?
Leeds United star criticized for performance
Credit: Imago Images
Manor Solomon, Dan James and Ao Tanaka were all standout performers on Sunday. Especially Solomon, who looks like he is ready to cement his place in the team. The spurs loanee scored a brace against Swansea and was arguably the best player on the pitch. Tanaka continues to shine and prove he is one of the best signings in the league, whil Dan James provided another solid performance in attack.
Despite winning a game with four goals, Leeds’ front two failed to find the back of the net. Joel Piroe and Brenden Aaronson finished the game without scoring, with the striker being substituted off after just 75 minutes. Aaronson looked slow and sluggish, which could be from the illness he had during the international break. Jon Newsome thinks the American is just not good enough for this level:
“I can only say it as I see it and I think way too many times he gives up possession of the ball in areas where he doesn’t need to lose the ball.
“When you are up a cul-de-sac and you are working hard and are outnumbered, of course it’s hard.
“There’s lots of times where I think he’s got hold of the ball, simple bits of passes, simple awareness around him and I don’t think he’s at the level in my honest opinion.
“He was bought as a Premier League player and we paid £28m for him and I don’t think he’s good enough to play at the level, good enough to play in the Leeds United team really.”
Leeds are now top of the Championship with 32 points, tied with both Sunderland and Sheffield United.
