Leeds United got a big win on Friday night as they beat West Ham United 2-1 at Elland Road.
It was a huge moment for Daniel Farke and his team, who were under real pressure to deliver before the international break.
After a few tough weeks, Leeds finally found their rhythm, and one man stole all the headlines – Ao Tanaka.
Ao Tanaka Breaks Leeds Premier League Record
Ao Tanaka has made history for Leeds United after the Leeds v West Ham match.
The Japanese midfielder, who returned from injury, became the first player in the club’s history to win 18 out of his first 20 league starts at Elland Road.
That’s an all-time Premier League record for the club and shows just how important Tanaka has become to this Leeds side.
Fans already loved Tanaka for his calmness on the ball and hard work, but now he’s made his mark in the record books.
The stat, confirmed by Opta analyst Jonny Cooper, proves that every time Tanaka starts at home, Leeds usually walk away with three points.
Farke’s Big Decision Pays Off
Before kick-off, Leeds boss Daniel Farke made four changes to his line-up, and there were some eyebrows raised.
One of those changes saw Ao Tanaka, Leeds star, brought back into the midfield, replacing Anton Stach, who’s been struggling with form and fitness. Farke’s call worked perfectly.
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Leeds looked sharp and full of energy from the first whistle. West Ham barely had a sniff of the ball until late in the game, when they managed to score in injury time.
The Leeds United v West Ham clash could have gone either way, but Farke’s team were the better side for most of the night.
Tanaka played 72 minutes before being subbed off, showing his value with strong passing and movement in midfield.
He made 25 successful passes out of 29, had 37 touches, and worked hard defensively too. It wasn’t a flashy display, but it was the kind of solid performance Leeds needed to get back on track.
West Ham News: Hammers Left Frustrated
From a West Ham news point of view, it was a tough night for the Hammers.
They didn’t really get going until late on and were frustrated by how easy Leeds made it look.
West Ham fans expected more after recent good results, but Leeds simply outplayed them in every area of the pitch.
Still, this West Ham United news will sting, losing to a Leeds side that had been struggling for form before the game.
It’s a reminder that the Premier League can be cruel, and even one off-night can cost you big points.
What’s Next for Leeds United?
Leeds United will be full of confidence heading into their next match against Brighton.
If Tanaka keeps playing like this, he’s going to be impossible to drop. He’s proving to be one of the best bargains in recent Leeds history, bought for just £3.4m from Düsseldorf, and now breaking records in the Premier League.
For now, Leeds fans can enjoy this one. It was a massive three points, a bit of club history, and maybe the start of something special again at Elland Road.
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