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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Leeds defeat Stoke 2-0</li><li>Brenden Aaronson logs 90 minutes</li><li>The <em>Whites</em> sit atop Championship standings</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</p><table><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table>

USMNT's Brenden Aaronson shines as Leeds defeat Stoke on Boxing Day to top English Championship table

<p>U.S. international Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United defeated Stoke City 2-0 Thursday in English Championship action, with the American logging 90 minutes from his attacking midfield position. A brace from striker Joel Piroe sealed all three points as the <em>Whites</em> moved into first place in the league standings as a result of their performance on Boxing Day.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Aaronson didn't have the most impactful match of his season, but he played a vital role in securing all three points on Thursday, running the tempo atop their midfield while connecting their attack through transition.</p><p>The 24-year-old completed 27/28 passes, creating one big chance while registering two shots on target. He had 50 total touches and completed six passes into the final-third of the pitch.</p><p>Leeds, meanwhile, are now in pole position in the promotion race as they near the start of the second half of the season.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Aaronson recorded a goal and an assist last week in a <a href="The American midfielder logged 90 minutes as the Whites earned their fourth victory in their last five matches" target="_self">4-0 victory over Oxford United</a> to move his G+A tally to eight on the season. He's two goal-contributions away from surpassing his career best, which he set with Salzburg in Austria in the 2021-22 season with 10 goal contributions in league play.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Leeds take on Derby Saturday in the final match of the calendar year. Aaronson will look to return to the scoresheet as they search for their sixth-straight match unbeaten.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR AARONSON AND LEEDS?

USMNT's Brenden Aaronson shines as Leeds defeat Stoke on Boxing Day to top English Championship table | Goal.com

The American midfielder logged 90 minutes as the Whites earned their fourth victory in their last five matches