Farke blasted over what he did to Brenden Aaronson in Leeds draw v Luton
Daniel Farke has been majorly in the spotlight over his team selection of late as Leeds United’s form has nosedived in the Championship.
Leeds were held to a draw in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off (5 April) at Kenilworth Road, as Luton Town picked up a share of the spoils in a result which now knocks the Whites out of the automatic promotion spots.
Burnley won their own early match at Coventry City, with an opportunity now presented to Sheffield United as they take on Oxford United.
Farke blasted for Brenden Aaronson call as Leeds held
Farke has been slammed by Leeds fans of late for persisting with Aaronson in a central attacking role, with his output fading since the turn of the year.
Many of a Whites persuasion have cried out for the recall of Willy Gnonto, and Farke obliged as the young Italian started and Aaronson was dropped.
Gnonto was replaced by the lesser-spotted Patrick Bamford just after the hour, and Aaronson was finally introduced with just 12 minutes remaining as Joel Piroe made way for the American.
The Sun’s Justin Allen (5 April) lamented Farke for his decision to wait so long to introduce Aaronson even despite his poor form, claiming: “Brenden Aaronson finally on. Should have been on much earlier. Game [has been] crying out for him.”
Leeds now look frustratingly at the Championship table as their faltering yet again allowed Burnley the chance to which they obliged.
Brenden Aaronson FINALLY on. Should have been on much earlier. Game crying out for him. #LUFC #Leeds #MOT #EFL
— Justin Allen (@justinallen1976) April 5, 2025
Leeds boss right to drop Aaronson despite latest failure to win
Regardless of whether any game is “crying out” for Aaronson, Farke was justified in dropping him.
Aaronson and Gnonto were at the centre of the debate over whom should be included in the XI last week against Swansea City (29 March), and both players turned out to score each of the goals – Aaronson in the opening minute at Elland Road.
However, he has been in a worse vein of impact over the past few months and Farke has had to take a stand, something which went under the radar after news emerged in the week he would finally drop Illan Meslier for Karl Darlow in goal.
| Leeds United – last six | Result |
| Luton (A) | D 1-1 |
| Swansea (H) | D 2-2 |
| QPR (A) | D 2-2 |
| Millwall (H) | W 2-0 |
| Portsmouth (A) | L 0-1 |
| West Brom (H) | D 1-1 |
Farke is deserving of some of the criticism he has faced, but spare him the insults for his calls over Aaronson and Meslier – both deserved dropping.
Leeds fans will feel in dire straits at the point and simply must restore momentum before they end up in yet another unanticipated play-off whirlwind.