The Leeds United man of the moment offered a candid reflection after full time of the Premier League win over West Ham at Elland Road
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
13:44, 25 Oct 2025
Brenden Aaronson wheels away in celebration(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Brenden Aaronson says he found the past week “mentally tough” after missing a gilt-edged chance against Burnley but felt like he responded well in Leeds United‘s 2-1 win over West Ham.
The American was man of the match after scoring the opener inside three minutes and putting in an exciting shift containing intelligent forward balls and tricky dribbles. As previously relayed, Aaronson had undertaken shooting practice after training all week.
He had squandered a missed one-on-one opportunity against Burnley last weekend, a chance manager Daniel Farke admitted he would have liked to see him do better with. Aaronson was eager to make amends.
Speaking to LUTV about scoring the opening goal against West Ham – which was his first goal since March – Aaronson said: “It was a relief for me, to be honest with you. Letting the team down a little bit last week, not scoring, it was tough mentally because you don’t get many chances in this league.
“It was difficult for a moment of time but I kept at it. I worked this whole week on my finishing again. I am proud of my mentality and I am proud of the group.
“I think the biggest thing for me is getting in the box and the ball bounces your way but that is all about positioning and reacting.
“I am really happy with the goal and I am happy with the group and the atmosphere. It was amazing to score early. It was a great atmosphere and I am proud of the team.”
Leeds were made to sweat for the four minutes of added time after Matheus Fernandes flicked a header home on 90 minutes. Joe Rodon’s own header on 15 minutes ultimately proved to be the winning goal but there was a sense that the hosts made life difficult for themselves.
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Costly late goals have been conceded against Fulham and Bournemouth this season but Leeds have been trying to learn their lesson. “We had a conversation the last couple of games,” Aaronson added.
“We have given away late goals and we haven’t been at our best at late stages of the game. It was huge for us today to keep the mentality. I think that was the message all week.
“Late minutes in the game, stay on top of it and get the result which we needed today to hold the 2-1 win. Defensively, we were good today. We handled a lot of crossing situations from them.
“West Ham is a team that has a ton of quality so it was definitely a difficult game. I am just proud of the group.”
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