No player could come out of Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Portsmouth and claim to have had a decent game, with Leeds United looking a shell of their usual selves.
A lot of that can be ascribed to Portsmouth’s outstanding performance and manager John Mousinho’s tactical masterclass, which used a heavy press and capitalised on the Fratton Park atmosphere to win.
Leeds had chances, and if Joel Piroe had his shooting boots on, Daniel Farke’s side would have easily won. Alternatively, referee Rob Jones may have called a penalty for Matt Ritchie’s foul on Dan James in the first half.
Lucy Ward and Lee Hendrie thought it should have been a penalty, but Portsmouth deserved their victory – Leeds’ fourth league defeat of the season. However, statistics suggest that one Leeds player suffered yet again.
Brenden Aaronson lost all seven duels on Sunday afternoon.
Piroe squandered opportunities, Leeds fans thought Ao Tanaka’s performance was his worst in a Leeds shirt, and Joe Rodon had to accept some blame for his role in Colby Bishop’s goal, which proved to be the only one.
Aaronson, however, was once again a passenger. The USA star started his 34th consecutive Championship game, but he has now gone six games without a goal or an assist, and he failed to contribute against Portsmouth.
Aaronson had only 20 touches in total, 70 fewer than Pascal Struijk and Rodon (90), and he lost all seven duels. It was another underwhelming performance for Aaronson, and it isn’t the first time this has happened.
Brenden Aaronson’s statistics for Leeds vs. Portsmouth:
In 68 minutes, he had a FotMob rating of 5.7, similar to Tanaka and Dan James. His XG+XA was 0.1, with only one touch in the opponent box.
11 successful passes, four missed, and three inside the opponent box.
Just two defensive actions, zero tackles.
0 duels won; 7 lost.
It’s been a long time coming, but Aaronson should be fired.
Even those who have staunchly defended Aaronson and understand his ability to turn in transition must now admit that Aaronson has to be removed from the firing line. Leeds frequently plays as if they have ten men.
Daniel Farke, who has been unable to focus his energies on anything positive, needs to attempt something different when Leeds meet Millwall at Elland Road on Wednesday night. Perhaps Joel Piroe in the tenth position and Mateo Joseph up front.
Alternatively, eventually agreeing with supporters and handing Wilfried Gnonto a starting spot in offensive midfield. If Farke decides to bench Aaronson, it will be the first time he has not started a league game since August.
