Leeds United picked up their second consecutive win with a 2-1 victory over Watford on Tuesday night at Elland Road. Ao Tanaka stood out in the match, earning special praise from manager Daniel Farke.
The Whites made an explosive start, finding the net twice within the first 10 minutes. Largie Ramazani opened the scoring in the fourth minute, followed by Brenden Aaronson’s goal just three minutes later, giving Leeds an early lead.
Watford managed to reduce the deficit with an early goal in the second half, but Leeds United successfully defended against the Hornets’ attempts and clinched a 2-1 victory, earning all three points. Following Tuesday’s results, Leeds now sits in second place, and they will maintain that position if Burnley and Sheffield United lose on Wednesday night.
Ao Tanaka wows pundit with performance against Watford
Tanaka played the full 90 minutes for Leeds United, making 77 touches and delivering one key pass. He completed 57 out of 61 passes, achieving an impressive completion rate of 83 percent.
The Japan international also excelled defensively, winning nine of 11 ground duels and making six tackles, according to SofaScore. Former Leeds manager Simon Grayson praised Tanaka as a “fantastic” signing, noting that he was Leeds’ standout player of the night.
“Tanaka was probably the best player for Leeds tonight,” Grayson told BBC Radio Leeds. “He probably tired a little bit in that second half, second half of the second half, but he has been a fantastic signing so far.”
Grayson wasn’t the only one praising Tanaka for his form in the last two matches. Manager Daniel Farke used a James Bond reference to highlight the Leeds United standout’s performance.
“He’s James Bond, so it was unbelievable,” Farke told the media after the win over Watford. “I think he saved the world today. There was an outstanding performance, his calmness on the ball, but also his steal. Although we had to carry on with the yellow cards, and then in the crucial and decisive duels was outstanding.
“He definitely was not the villain today. Today, he was definitely James Bond for us. I’m pretty happy with him, and he can’t keep going like this to deliver such performances.”
