Leeds United had to come from behind to get the better of Swansea City in the Championship on Sunday afternoon.
Daniel Farke’s side conceded the first goal of the match at the Swansea.com Stadium after just eight minutes. Leeds went into the half-time break 2-1 down.
However, Leeds stepped up their game in the second half and secured the three points in injury time with their fourth goal. It finished 4-3 to the Whites.
Manor Solomon, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, scored twice for the visiting team. Daniel James was arguably Leeds’s best player against Swansea.
Ao Tanaka praised after Leeds United beat Swansea City
While Ao Tanaka did not score or provide an assist, his performance in the middle of the park was hugely important to the win for Leeds.
The 26-year-old Japan international midfielder could have done better for the first goal that Leeds conceded, but he was a force to be reckoned with in the middle of the park and made timely interceptions.
Lee Hendrie was following the match for Sky Sports Football. The former Aston Villa midfielder was on co-commentary duty for the match, and he was hugely impressed by the display produced by Tanaka.
Hendrie said about Tanaka in the 33rd minute of the match: “I touched on Tanaka. Here he is again, chasing back. Tell you what? Look at that midfield area.
“The likes of Gruev and Ampadu are not available. He has been absolutely magnificent in there, Tanaka. He has got great energy. That’s the thing when you are playing in that defensive role, which he does brilliantly.”
Ao Tanaka’s game in numbers
Tanaka has established himself as one of the first names on the Leeds teamsheet this season.
The Japanese star has forged a strong partnership with Joe Rothwell in holding midfield. Tanaka started in that role against Swansea in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Tanaka took one shot which was not on target. He played one key pass. The midfielder also had a pass accuracy of 86% and won one header.
The midfielder took 71 touches of the ball against Swansea. It was more than any other Leeds player.
Tanaka also attempted two dribbles. He made six tackles, two interceptions and one clearance.
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