Brenden Aaronson’s ‘days numbered at Leeds United’ after what was heard v QPR
Brenden Aaronson had a day to forget for Leeds United as Daniel Farke’s side escaped Loftus Road with a 2-2 draw.
Leeds were woefully off the pace in the first half as Farke named an unchanged lineup from the 2-0 win over Millwall, and the Whites found themselves down by the same scoreline within half an hour.
Aaronson gifted the ball straight to Koki Saito for the QPR winger to open the scoring with a first-time finish, and Steve Cook’s unmarked header doubled the lead before Leeds had a chance to respond.
Junior Firpo forcing a Morgan Fox own-goal and Jayden Bogle firing home a saved Manor Solomon shot either side of half-time may have secured a point for the Whites, but Farke knows Leeds rode their luck.
Leeds fans make Brenden Aaronson feeling clear v QPR
Aaronson’s first-half error began a slide which Leeds only managed to halt via Bogle’s equaliser in the second half; his pass straight to Saito allowing the winger – who was later sent off – to beat Illan Meslier.
| QPR | Statistic | Leeds |
| 2 | Goals | 2 |
| 0.82 | xG | 1.46 |
| 4 / 8 | Shots on Target | 3 / 10 |
| 34% | Possession | 66% |
| 1 | Corners | 8 |
The pass, and Aaronson’s performance on the whole, was one of a player clearly in need of a rest having started Leeds’ last 36 straight Championship matches, and Farke acted accordingly at half-time.
Farke made the decision to hook Aaronson for Wilfried Gnonto, and upon reporting the news, Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth heard a “big, pointed cheer” from the travelling Leeds fans.
Leeds United break comes at perfect time for Aaronson
Although Leeds were hugely under-par at Loftus Road and arguably lucky to come away with a point, that point means they head into the last international break of the season sat top of the Championship.
A victory Sheffield United in Sunday’s Steel City derby – unless it’s by 27 or more goals – will only see them draw level with the Whites at the summit and not overtake them, leaving Leeds in the driving seat.
The international break gives several members of Farke’s squad a chance to recharge their batteries over the next two weeks, and after being left out of the USA squad, that applies to Aaronson more than most.
Aaronson has run himself into the ground for United this season despite his attacking output decreasing, and he can re-emerge for the final eight matches as a player who has undergone a much-needed reset.