admin‘Mad at myself’ – Brenden Aaronson’s honest admission after controversial Leeds United incident vs Newcastle
The Leeds United midfielder netted twice at St James’ Park but was left rueing a costly lapse as Newcastle struck late to secure a dramatic 4-3 victory.
Brenden Aaronson has admitted he switched off momentarily and paid the price after conceding a crucial penalty during Leeds United’s narrow defeat at Newcastle United. The American was heavily involved in a pulsating seven-goal Premier League encounter on Wednesday night, producing two superb finishes but also being at fault for a decisive moment late on.
Aaronson continued his fine scoring form by making it three goals in four days, with his second of the night putting Leeds 3-2 ahead with just ten minutes remaining. However, deep into stoppage time, the midfielder rushed out to block a Lewis Hall cross and was penalised for handball inside the area. Despite Aaronson’s protests that the offence occurred outside the box, replays confirmed he was marginally inside when contact was made.
Bruno Guimarães converted from the spot to level the match before Harvey Barnes struck 12 minutes into added time to snatch victory for the hosts, leaving Leeds players distraught at full-time. While head coach Daniel Farke questioned the penalty decision immediately after the match, Aaronson accepted responsibility for the mistake.
“Of course I’m devastated,” Aaronson told Match of the Day. “It’s frustrating because I scored two goals, but I switched off for a moment and I know I can’t raise my arm like that near the box. That’s football. I’m angry with myself, but I also think we could have defended better in a few moments. To come here, take the lead three times and almost win shows the quality of this team, and we have to keep pushing forward.”
Leeds struggled to assert control defensively whenever they were ahead, with Newcastle relentlessly applying pressure in front of their home supporters.
Poor game management ultimately proved costly, compounded by the handball incident and some questionable goalkeeping, with Lucas Perri unable to prevent Barnes’ late winner.
Although the defeat will linger, Leeds remain eight points clear of the relegation zone, having gone seven matches unbeaten prior to Wednesday’s loss.
Farke had previously stated that if his side’s run were to end, he would want them to do so with bravery — a demand they certainly met at St James’ Park.
“In this league, if you switch off for five minutes, teams punish you,” Aaronson added. “At times we absorb too much pressure and ease off, but the way we’re playing right now, coming here and almost winning, is unbelievable. We have to build on that.”
Leeds will not return to Premier League action for another nine days, with attention turning to the FA Cup this weekend.
Aaronson and his teammates face former Championship rivals Derby County on Sunday, where rotation is expected following a demanding winter schedule.
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