A week is a long time in football, and the feeling around Daniel Farke has changed to some degree, even if Leeds United had failed to beat Man City. Farke almost masterminded a stunning comeback.
Having gone 2-0 down early on, Leeds clawed Pep Guardiola’s Man City back to 2-2 at The Etihad. No one saw it coming, and yet, Leeds almost pulled off the result of the day. Eventually, City would win 3-2.
But it reminded fans that Daniel Farke does have Premier League nous; he can mix it with the best. Leeds fans were also made aware that the players are fighting for the German, he’s not lost the dressing room.
A week will also feel like a long time for Ao Tanaka, too. Japan midfielder Tanaka was visibly “upset” after being subbed on and then subbed off against Aston Villa by Farke, yet Tanaka started against Man City.
Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty ImagesAo Tanaka’s impressive stats in under-the-radar Leeds display
With Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach sidelined, Farke opted to name a makeshift midfield of Ilia Gruev, Ethan Ampadu and Tanaka. While formation changed throughout, that trio in midfield stayed the same.
Tanaka was excellent. It still boggles the mind that Dusseldorf wanted just £3.5m for Tanaka back in the summer of 2024. He topped Leeds’ duels won, with seven, but even better, he won more tackles than any.
Stunning Ao Tanaka stats as Leeds worry Man City 👌
Ao Tanaka’s stats in defeat to Man City:
- 92 minutes played, 7.1 FotMob rating (Second-best Leeds player)
- 13 defensive contributions (Highest for Leeds, joint-highest on pitch)
- 40 touches, 18/25 successful passes
- 5 tackles (Highest on pitch)
- Seven duels won (Joint-highest for Leeds, second-best on pitch)
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
It was an underrated performance from Tanaka, who was eventually replaced by Brenden Aaronson in the 92nd minute. There is absolutely no doubt that Tanaka has to start for Leeds when Chelsea come north.
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First name on the Leeds United team sheet v Chelsea: Ao Tanaka
There will be the obvious picks. Ethan Ampadu plays when he is fit, Joe Rodon plays even when he isn’t fit. Other than that, Farke has some massive decisions to make;o other player can truly say they will start.
Lucas Perri was at fault for City’s second. Jayden Bogle’s form has been dodgy, James Justin is fit and may stay in the side with Gabi Gudmundsson rested. Pascal Struijk and Jaka Bijol were both solid on Saturday.
Leeds United have only won three times in 18 games against Chelsea 😐
STATS
- Leeds United have won just three times in 18 meetings between the two sides since the turn of the century under David O’Leary, Terry Venables and Jesse Marsch
- Chelsea have won 11 times, the other four being drawn
- Leeds have won just one of their last 12 midweek games, a 2-1 win v Forest in 2023
- Daniel Farke has never beaten Chelsea (1D, 5L)
- Daniel Farke has beaten Enzo Maresca twice in two games (Leeds did the double over Leicester in 2023-24)
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
It could all depend on the formation that Farke opts to use against Chelsea. Anton Stach is back, which threatens Ilia Gruev’s space in the side, while the attack is completely up in the air come Wednesday.
If there is one fringe player who used the Man City clash to his advantage and has cemented his place in the side for Chelsea, it is Tanaka. Especially, with Sean Longstaff set to be out for at least four weeks.
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