Leeds United bounced back with a 1-0 win over Fulham at Elland Road on Saturday, a result that ensured their eight-point advantage over the relegation zone remained intact.
Leeds were on top for much of the afternoon, yet the match seemed destined to finish goalless until the closing moments. Lukas Nmecha then provided the breakthrough in stoppage time, scoring a dramatic winner to seal all three points for the home side.
There were celebrations at full-time for Daniel Farke and his squad after a hard-fought victory, another performance that reinforced their belief that Premier League survival is well within reach.
However, Leeds fans want to see more from their team in the coming weeks and are insistent that their side could be better with Ao Tanaka starting more games.
Leeds United fans are demanding more starts for Ao Tanaka
Tanaka came on in the second half and added more attacking impetus to the team, which led to the winning goal in the 90th minute.
The Japanese midfielder has been in and out of the team in recent weeks, despite making some vital contributions, including goals against top sides.
Tanaka is more of an attacking option in the middle of the park, and his tenacity and willingness to play forward passes make him a fan favourite.
Leeds fans are insistent that Tanaka should start more games and believe he can easily play in place of the more defensive Ilia Gruev in the coming weeks.
A Leeds fan added, “Great win, miles more assured with Darlow in goal, good decision by Farke, Gnonto needs to come in for Okafor, his end product is awful, Tanaka also needs to start. A few more additions and we should be ok.
Another Whites supporter said, “Got to get Tanaka on here, way too many defensive players on the pitch, huge creative missing link between the midfield and the attack.”
One more jibed in and said, “Tanaka for Gruev needs to happen soon.”
Ao Tanaka’s defensive nous is underrated
Tanaka was the Championship’s best midfielder last season and has been unlucky at Leeds in the ongoing Premier League campaign.
A knee injury early in the season cost him his place in the team, and since then, he has been in and out of the starting eleven, for no fault of his.
Gruev is the more defensive option, and Tanaka is seen as more attacking of the two, and less defensively secure, which is a priority for Farke in the Premier League.
However, Tanaka’s tenacity is underrated, and his hard work and defensive contributions often go unnoticed because of his ability to break opposition defences.
The midfielder is more defensively secure than he is given credit for and often intercepts passes in midfield and puts his body on the line to block shots.
Tanaka can more than hold his own defensively in midfield while being the key to unlock defences in tight games.
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