Reporter Graham Smyth has shared a “concern” he has about one Leeds United star, who has now been dropped by manager Daniel Farke.
Leeds off to solid start despite Bournemouth setback
Conceding a late equaliser is always a kick in the teeth, and Farke will be disappointed that his side were unable to hold on for all three points against AFC Bournemouth, especially given that the German believes they did enough to get the win.
The Leeds manager said: “We had a really good game. I think we deserved to win this game. “At this level, small details can be punished. It is pretty heartbreaking, but I am proud of the performance.”
It was not the first time this season the Whites have conceded in stoppage time, with a Gabriel Gudmundsson own-goal gifting Fulham a victory at Craven Cottage earlier this month, but Farke should be happy with the start his side have made to the Premier League season regardless.
The only game in which the newly-promoted team weren’t competitive was away at Arsenal, suffering a 5-0 battering against Mikel Arteta’s side, but otherwise they have looked solid, picking up eight points in their opening six matches.
Leeds started the campaign with a 1-0 win over Everton at Elland Road, with Ao Tanaka receiving the Player of the Match award for his efforts, but the 27-year-old has since fallen down the pecking order, appearing as a late substitute in the past two matches after returning from injury.
Smyth has subsequently shared a concern he has about Tanaka, with the journalist saying on The Square Ball Podcast (via The Leeds Press): “My concern with Tanaka was physicality in the Premier League.
“He got run over a few times towards the end of the last season. I worried a little bit, against the most elite athletes in the Premier League.”
Tanaka may have work cut out reclaiming his starting spot
After suffering an injury against Arsenal, the Japanese maestro lost his place in the side, with Sean Longstaff being brought in, and the former Newcastle United man has certainly made an impressive start.
In the draw against Bournemouth, Longstaff opened his account by scoring the goal to put Leeds into the lead, while also setting up Joe Rodon’s equaliser, in what was a well-rounded performance from the central midfielder, who received a 9.3 SofaScore match rating.
Statistic
Number completed
Big chances created
2
Tackles
6
Accurate crosses
7
Duels won
10
In fairness, Tanaka made a solid start against Everton, having picked up the Player of the Match Award, so he should get another chance to prove himself, but Longstaff has already shown that he could be crucial to Leeds’ survival chances.