Farke Tested at the Emirates: Why Aaronson Deserves to Play Ahead of Tanaka

Leeds United will face their toughest test of the season when they travel to the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday (5/10/2025). This match is not merely a chance for revenge for last season's heavy 5-0 and 4-0 defeats, but also a proving ground for manager Daniel Farke in assembling his lineup against a top side.

Although Leeds have looked solid with an unbeaten league record this season, including a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace before the international break, facing Arsenal away clearly demands a different tactical approach. The Gunners are known for their high attacking intensity and physical strength in midfield that can trouble visiting teams.

One of the crucial decisions facing Farke is the position of Japanese midfielder Ao Tanaka. The player who previously featured for Fortuna Dusseldorf started against Palace, but his performances in away matches against big teams have often drawn scrutiny. In last season's 5-0 defeat at the Emirates, Tanaka lost all six of his duels and was dribbled past four times without a single meaningful defensive contribution.

The data shows that Tanaka struggles against the pressure and pace of Arsenal's players. Although he has an unbeaten record when starting at Elland Road, an away trip to north London is clearly not a suitable battleground for him. Farke is required to be more pragmatic by fielding a player with greater physical strength and better defensive ability.

The most logical alternative is to return Anton Stach to his natural position as a central midfielder. The German player, standing 6 feet 4 inches tall, has strong dueling ability, both in the air and on the ground. By moving Stach into midfield, Leeds can add strength to blunt Arsenal's waves of attack, especially from set pieces.

As a consequence, one slot in the number 10 position will be vacated. This is where Brenden Aaronson enters as a strong candidate. The American player is indeed in a goal drought, but his contribution off the ball has never been in doubt. His work ethic in pressing and helping the defense is an added value that Leeds need against Arsenal.

In the 2025/26 season, Aaronson has recorded impressive defensive statistics among players in his position. He is known as a hard worker capable of disrupting the opponent's build-up. In Farke's scheme, forwards are not only required to score goals but also to serve as the first line of defense. Aaronson meets those criteria.

"The decision to field Aaronson may reduce attacking firepower, but it adds defensive solidity. Against Arsenal, defending with discipline is the top priority," reads an analysis circulating among Leeds tactical observers.

If Farke chooses Aaronson to partner Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the front line, Leeds will line up in a more balanced formation. Although their attacking potential is reduced, at least the visitors will be harder to break down. The question is, will Farke dare to take a tactical risk by sacrificing attacking power for defensive stability? The match at the Emirates will provide the answer.