Good Morning. It's Friday 21st March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Is it too late to experiment with playmaker role Brenden Aaronson’s recent performance at Loftus Road delivered a moment of unintended irony. After a barren spell of 15 games without an assist, the American midfielder finally played a crucial pass – unfortunately, it was straight to the feet of Koki Saito. This wasn't the creative spark Leeds fans hoped for, but rather a moment that starkly highlighted both Aaronson’s typical hustle and a frustrating lack of composure that can undermine his contributions. The immediate consequence for Aaronson was stark. For the first time this season, manager Daniel Farke hooked him at half-time. A substitution that early speaks volumes, suggesting this error was not just a minor blip but a representation of deeper frustrations with the player's current form and decision-making in key moments. Sitting in the dugout for the second half at Loftus Road must have been a bitter pill for the usually energetic midfielder to swallow, potentially marking a watershed moment in his season. To solely focus on this error would be to ignore the broader picture of Aaronson’s contribution to Leeds. He is undeniably a tireless worker, consistently covering more ground than any other player in the Leeds squad. Across all competitions, including international duties, he's racked up an impressive 46 appearances this season. Farke himself has repeatedly praised Aaronson’s relentless running and its importance to the team's overall system. Even when Aaronson was deployed in a less natural No. 10 role earlier in the season, before a settled XI emerged, his work rate was consistently valued. The underlying implication, often hinted at by Farke’s team selections and comments, is that Aaronson’s sheer effort compensates for his potential shortcomings, subtly implying that while Gnonto might possess more flair or attacking threat, he perhaps doesn't offer the same level of defensive work rate and ground coverage. Farke has had ample opportunities throughout the campaign to test different combinations and player roles, particularly when Leeds have enjoyed comfortable leads. Whether this latest incident with Aaronson will prompt a rethink or strengthen Farke's resolve in his current approach remains to be seen. please log in to view this image Harrison has no intention of returning to Leeds Jack Harrison has expressed his heartfelt commitment to Everton, sharing his aspirations in an exclusive interview with the club's official media outlet. The 28-year-old winger, who joined the Toffees two summers ago after leveraging a contractual loophole with Leeds, is keen to stay with the blue side of Merseyside, setting his sights on breaking into the England squad. Transitioning to Everton has proved beneficial for Harrison, especially given the turbulence at Leeds, where lingering animosities could complicate any potential return. His choice to remain at Everton not only reflects his desire for stability but also highlights his ambitions on a national level. Despite the challenges Everton has faced, including flirtations with relegation and financial controversies, Harrison remains optimistic and focused on his growth as a player. “On a personal level it's been difficult and frustrating so far this season because I always want to be at my best and when you're doing absolutely everything you can but it's still not coming off, that can be really frustrating for everyone, myself and the fans," he said. "I've been trying to understand those frustrations and trying to do something about it in different ways. I'm the type of player to always keep fighting, always keep trying to find ways to navigate through tough situations, and, ultimately, I know I'll come out on the other side.” "Some people might say, 'You're maybe getting on a bit in your career', or something, but I still have a goal I've always had, that is to get into the England squad and be part of a top team in the Premier League, and hopefully I can do that with Everton. “I think with new ownership, new manager, and going to an amazing new stadium next season, this is somewhere I want to be. It would be exciting to be part of a bigger picture and help a club get from where we have been for the past couple of years to fighting for European football again, and then even more in the way of silverware," please log in to view this image
Aaronson's batteries need recharging and this boring break may do him a power of good...Harrison for England is a bamford type one cap possibility
No doubt Harrison has burnt his boats at ER. It’s not just his desire upon EPL relegation to jump ship - it’s his fawning attitude throughout his time there towards Everton. With hardly a reference to his parent club. Get rid to the highest bidder. On Aaronson, I never wanted him back, few did. He’s done ok, but I just don’t see him at the level we need for EPL survival, to be a regular starter if we get promoted.
It was unusual to do so, but he hooked Aaronson because we were chasing the game. If you watch QPRs first goal again. It was a howler from BA but he actually did well to get back to make the intercept in the first place (he left the guy he was tracking because he could see that no-one was picking up the QPR player positioning himself for the cut back. We outnumbered their players in the box, but we were ball watching. The guy marking no-one was Rothwell, who in my view should be looking for late runners into the box. It's the lack of good defensive instincts that's the problem in this team. Aaronson has his limitations, that's for sure, but he gets undue stick generally - he's always linking play up and - to put it bluntly - if fans don't appreciate workrate in terms of leading the press, linking play and creating space for others... in terms of how it helps a team like ours to function - then i'm not sure they really understand modern football. There's an argument that work ethic is over-rated in the modern game (and obviously it has to be constructiv effort), but all teams put a huge emphasis on physical performance stats. I've always liked Gnonto when he comes off his wing... he had some excellent cameos/performances in the first part of the season playing more like a 10. He has great control, reads the game well and is quick over a few yards that helps create space. Great for coming on when the game has slowed down, likely less effective from the start but i have wondered why Farke hasn't tried him at 10. I
Morning all. Was at a gig last night in 3 arena. Too old for 3 hours standing and knackered today. Didn't first week of that international break fly by thankfully
Hang on, you can't come on here using nuances and subtlety in discussions! I agree that Aaronson pulls teams out of shape and harries them when they have possession. He just lacks that decion making of when to pass or to not try and take on another man. Gnonto suffers from the same thing but he does power in from the wing and can be difficult to dispossess, unlike BA. Thinking on, we'd get more penalty shouts if the likes of Gnonto ran into the box with the ball instead of trying to walk the ball into the net through lots of short passes.
apologies don’t know what came over me BA winds me up at times too… players like aaronson and Harrison who seem to have lots of attributes excepting between their ears (from a football perspective) can drive you bonkers. which, is one of many ways our club ensures most of us on here are certifiable
Everton fans must be jumping for joy, Harrison obviously doesn't tend what they post about him. Hopefully if we go up it will see the back of mommy's boy for good. Aaronson does give his all, it just lacks something
And a pleasure to watch and listen to his accomplice, the lovely Rianne Downey please log in to view this image
They're playing a festival I'm off to in May, wasn't too bothered about seeing them, may have to get front row now
Nobody wants Jack back Promotion - Leeds v Everton - Leeds Winning 3-0 - Harrison hooked off - That’s what we need, we can let him know how wanted he is in person
