Leeds player ratings vs Wolves: James Justin heroic, but Brenden Aaronson puzzles in 3-0 win…

Leeds player ratings against Wolves: James Justin shines, while Brenden Aaronson raises questions in a 3-0 victory.

Leeds United made significant progress towards Premier League safety, thanks to an outstanding performance from James Justin in their 3-0 triumph over Wolves.

Daniel Farke’s team continued their momentum from the previous match against Manchester United, scoring twice within the first 20 minutes at Elland Road on Saturday.

Justin netted a fantastic overhead kick inside the penalty area, followed by Noah Okafor finishing off Brenden Aaronson’s enticing cross, resulting in two goals in quick succession.

Leeds maintained control for most of the match but appeared to be in a comfortable rhythm, opting not to fully exploit a struggling Wolves side – who had an Adam Armstrong goal disallowed for offside. Dominic Calvert-Lewin earned a penalty for his team and successfully converted it during stoppage time in the second half.

Leeds now holds a nine-point advantage over the relegation zone, marking back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time this season under Farke. Here’s how MOT Leeds News evaluated the performances of the Whites’ players.

James Justin is in top form

There was minimal excitement when Justin transitioned from Leicester City to Leeds last summer, as the adaptable defender was viewed primarily as a secondary option.

In the early part of the season, this proved accurate as the 28-year-old found it challenging to secure playing time. However, when the opportunity arose, the former England international seized it, and Justin has not looked back since.

Against Wolves, it was unexpected that he would execute a stunning bicycle kick to score the opening goal in the 18th minute.

Former Leeds player Aidy White referred to his acrobatic strike as a “special finish,” and Justin also showcased his skills defensively.

Throughout the match, the ex-Luton Town player won four tackles, made six clearances, achieved three interceptions, and won seven out of eight ground duels.

Justin also executed a crucial last-man tackle and scored a memorable goal. He has been an overlooked hero, but performances like this will certainly change that perception.

Mixed performance from Brenden Aaronson

With Ao Tanaka back in the spotlight, Aaronson faces increased expectations to perform while Anton Stach is sidelined due to injury.

The American has scored four goals and provided an equal number of assists for Leeds this season, but he hasn’t found the net since his two-goal game against Newcastle United in early January.

Aaronson did manage to assist Okafor’s second goal against Manchester United, although it was somewhat fortuitous. In the match against Wolves, he delivered a perfectly weighted cross to set up the Swiss player again, who is now Leeds’ second-highest scorer.

However, during much of the match, the 25-year-old had a disappointing performance on his 100th appearance for Leeds. He lost possession 10 times, won five out of ten ground duels, and succeeded with two of his three dribbles.

Congratulations to Brenden Aaronson on reaching his 100th competitive start for Leeds United, making him the first American player to achieve this milestone.

Aaronson lost his cool after a tough challenge from Ladislav Krejci, resulting in the United States international receiving a yellow card for pushing the Wolves player, which led Ethan Ampadu to intervene and guide him away.

While Aaronson’s dedication to Leeds is unquestionable, his recent consistency has arguably fallen short. Additionally, his decision-making can still be a source of frustration.

Leeds United player ratings against Wolves

Karl Darlow – 7

Jayden Bogle – 6

James Justin – 8

Jaka Bijol – 7

Pascal Struijk – 6

Gabriel Gudmundsson – 6

Ethan Ampadu – 7

Ao Tanaka – 7

Brenden Aaronson – 5

Noah Okafor – 8

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 7

Substitutes:

Wilfried Gnonto – 6

Ilia Gruev – 5

Joe Rodon – n/a

Lukas Nmecha – n/a

Sean Lonstaff – n/a