Brenden Aaronson MOTM, 5/10 struggles – Leeds player ratings v Oxford United
Brenden Aaronson put in a tremendous performance for Leeds United as they brushed Oxford United away in a 4-0 victory on Saturday.
The Whites took the lead through Dan James in the early stages of the first half at Elland Road before Aaronson showed the kind of impact that is capable of on 21 December.
The American assisted Jayden Bogle then scored himself as the promotion contenders breezed to victory at Elland Road, Manor Solomon finishing it off later on.
MOT Leeds News rated the players out of 10 below;
Illan Meslier – 6
Hardly tested by the visitors but was nearly caught out by a first-half long throw-in that he punched away awkwardly, but he will take a much-needed clean sheet.
Jayden Bogle – 8
Was a constant threat going forward and a lovely one-two with Aaronson resulted in a second for the Whites as the defender produced a great finish. Solid defensive performance too as he continues to get better.
Joe Rodon – 7
Did not have much to do as the hosts dominated possession and did not allow Oxford to impose themselves on the contest. Brilliant when he did have to intervene and was integral to the Whites’ build-up.
Ethan Ampadu – 7
A comfortable return to the starting line-up for the skipper as the visitors failed to produce many chances. Was excellent when had to make a challenge, showing he hasn’t lost that edge.
Sam Byram – 6 [off for Schmidt, 77]
Not as impactful as usual when going forward and did not have much to do from a defensive perspective.
Ao Tanaka – 8
Another brilliant display from the Japan international as he constantly recovered the ball for Farke’s side and started attacks, did not allow the visitors to impact the contest as he controlled proceedings.
Joe Rothwell – 6 [replaced by Guilavogui, 83]
Typically solid performance from the Whites midfielder but not as dominant defensively as he usually is.
Dan James – 8
The best player on the pitch for the Whites in the first half. Scored the opening goal and was a constant danger before influence wained in the second period.
Aaronson shines for Leeds United
Brenden Aaronson – 9 [off for Gnonto, 74]
Typically industrious performance from the American, who was everywhere, had a few nice passes to Piroe in the first-half but truly made an impact in the second.
Assisted Bogle for the second goal with a delightful cutback before he added a third to ensure that his side would take all three points.
Manor Solomon – 8 [off for Ramazani, 74]
His cross set James up for the opener after he had beat two Oxford defenders and nearly repeated the trick in the opening stages of the second but his pass was too powerful.
However, he did bag another assist when he played in Aaronson and put the result beyond doubt when he slammed home a fourth.
Joel Piroe – 5 [off for Joseph, 74]
A clever turn and shot in the first half was saved by the keeper but another anonymous performance against a poor Oxford side.
He did find Soloman for the fourth goal but his general performance was not at the required level and left a lot to be desired and he was rightfully replaced by Joseph.
Substitutes:
Isaac Schmidt – 5 [on for Byram, 77]
Wilfried Gnonto – 5 [on for Aaronson, 74]
Largie Ramazani – 5 [on for Solomon, 74]
Mateo Joseph – 5 [on for Piroe, 74]
Joshua Guilavogui – N/A
In other Leeds news, Manchester United have been linked with an audacious swoop for a Whites star.
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