Rob Green, the former Leeds United goalkeeper, has weighed in on the validity of Brenden Aaronson’s opening goal against West Ham. Aaronson scored early in the match, just three minutes in, giving Leeds an exciting lead. However, the goal prompted a VAR check to determine if Dominic Calvert-Lewin was offside, which raised concerns among fans.
VAR Decision on Aaronson’s Goal
Ultimately, the VAR review concluded that Calvert-Lewin was onside, a relief for both Leeds fans and coach Daniel Farke. Following the initial goal, Joe Rodon increased Leeds’ lead with a header. Rob Green discussed the officials’ decision during a Sky Sports segment at half-time, expressing support for the goal standing.
Rob Green’s Analysis
- Green highlighted the absence of protest from West Ham goalkeeper Alfonse Areola as a sign of a correct call.
- He noted that Areola’s visibility of the ball was clear, which played a crucial role in the decision.
- Green argued that Calvert-Lewin did not impede Areola’s ability to react and make a save.
Aaronson’s Performance Against West Ham
Brenden Aaronson’s performance on the day was noteworthy, especially following criticism from a previous match against Burnley. Against West Ham, he exhibited his attacking prowess, leading to his goal and an impactful display overall. His effort earned him the title of Man of the Match with a rating of 8.2 from FotMob.
Match Statistics for Brenden Aaronson
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Touches | 38 |
| Chances Created | 2 |
| Passes into Final Third | 3 |
| Successful Dribbles | 3 |
| Defensive Contributions | 9 |
Aaronson also completed the most dribbles in the match and made significant defensive contributions. With Dan James on the verge of returning to fitness, Aaronson’s form may present a tactical advantage for Leeds United as the season progresses.
