Leeds United delivered a dominant 3-0 victory over Luton Town at Elland Road, showcasing their superiority in the Championship. Goals from Sam Byram, Joel Piroe, and Dan James secured a comfortable win, reaffirming their position at the top of the league. Central to Leeds’ impressive performance was Ao Tanaka, whose control in midfield ensured the home side maintained 76% possession.
Tanaka’s influence on the game was immense, with his technical skill and vision evident throughout. He completed 114 of 120 attempted passes, achieving a 95% accuracy rate, and won five of his seven ground duels. His ability to sustain pressure on the opposition was a key factor in Leeds’ dominant display. Alongside teammate Rothwell, Tanaka dictated the tempo, leaving Luton struggling to compete.
Luton manager Rob Edwards acknowledged the gulf in quality, remarking on Leeds’ strength and recalling their recent stint in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Tanaka, who was playing in Germany’s second tier last season, has quickly adapted to the Championship, becoming an integral part of Leeds’ squad.
After the match, Leeds manager Daniel Farke praised Tanaka’s consistent performances and highlighted his unique character in the dressing room. Farke shared anecdotes about Tanaka’s popularity among teammates, noting his nickname inspired by a James Bond character. Despite his limited English skills, Tanaka’s humor and laid-back demeanor have made him a favorite among the squad, with Wilfried Gnonto even jokingly calling him the “best player in the world” after a recent win.
Farke described Tanaka as an outstanding player both on and off the ball, emphasizing his ability to excel in a challenging environment like Elland Road. The manager also praised his technical skills and understated leadership, observing how teammates rally around him and celebrate his contributions.
Tanaka’s statistics against Luton further underscored his dominance. Along with his high pass accuracy and duel success, he made 135 touches, completed five accurate long balls, and contributed defensively with three tackles and two interceptions. His performances have been consistently exceptional, with every game seemingly another 8/10 display.
Leeds’ comprehensive victory over Luton, led by Tanaka’s brilliance, further solidified their reputation as one of the Championship’s strongest teams. With players like Tanaka delivering week in and week out, Leeds appear well-positioned for a return to the Premier League.