Leeds United 1-2 West Ham United
It’s been quite a week for West Ham United.
A last-gasp penalty heartache against Manchester United in the Premier League last Sunday was swiftly followed by victory at the same opponents (and two very different starting XIs) in the League Cup in midweek.
Talk about a whirlwind of emotions for David Moyes and his men,
While the Hammers were engaging in combat with the Red Devils twice in the space of four days, a much-changed Leeds side were battling out a goalless draw at Fulham in the same competition before triumphing in a penalty shoot-out.
So, with two teams restored to near full strength, who would produce the Premier League highlights on a Saturday afternoon at Elland Road?
Highlights of the game
All the pressure was on the injury-hit hosts, without a league win so far this term.
Teenage defender Charlie Cresswell – son of former Leeds striker Richard –was handed his Premier League debut as coach Marcelo Bielsa made only two changes with captain Liam Cooper and Raphinha replacing fringe men Crysencio Summerville and Tyler Roberts.
West Ham, on the other hand, opted for 10 changes to their side with the in-form Michail Antonio returning from suspension and regulars Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek among those returning.
For Rice it was a reunion of two unsung heroes in England’s path to the Euro 2020 final this summer.
To many, it seemed strange during the summer that Rice wasn’t openly courted by more high-profile Premier League outfits, while the apparent lack of interest in Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips was also surprising.
Given the fine performances of both players for their respective teams and England, they could have been expected to agitate for more lucrative moves elsewhere.
To their credit they didn’t and this game was better for it.
From the start both sides were intent on attacking and the visitors were the brighter outfit.
Twice inside the first eight minutes they came within a whisker of to breaking the deadlock as Said Benrahma drilled a shot narrowly wide from 20 yards before Antonio went close.
Those two combined to almost deadly effect soon in a slick move which saw Illan Meslier brilliantly tip Benrahma’s curling long-range shot around the post.
Leeds responded themselves and Stuart Dallas’ effort was destined for the top corner before being pushed away by Lukasz Fabianski.
When the first goal arrived in the 19th minute it was a stunning finish which had the home fans in raptures.
Rodrigo burst down the left and cut the ball back to Mateusz Klich on the edge of the area who touched it to Raphinha and the placement into the bottom corner from 20 yards was top drawer.
The goal changed nothing as both sides went for the jugular and the Brazilian would have had his second – again from long-range – had the base of the post not come to West Ham’s rescue.
In first half injury time, Pablo Fornals should have equalised after being played clear but Meslier did enough.
Shortly after restart, the home custodian dropped a cross and Soucek had the ball in the net, however VAR ruled it out after spotting Antonio’s arm was obstructing the keeper – albeit accidental – for which the player was cautioned.
The Hammers had the equaliser they deserved midway through the second half when Jarrod Bowen cut inside and saw his shot deflect off the hip of Junior Firpoto leave Meslier with no chance.
As the closing stages approached, the SBOTOP Premier League betting odds on a draw looked a decent bet but, of course, in Antonio West Ham have someone special.
Sure enough, as we entered stoppage time he netted his first ever league goal against Leeds, picking up a Rice ball on the counter and rounding defender Jamie Shackleton before slotting the ball home.
It’s been quite a week for West Ham who are up to seventh.
Leeds remain winless and are now in the relegation zone.
Key statistics
West Ham have now won three consecutive league matches against Leeds for the first time since a run of four from 1948 to 1949 in the second tier.
West Ham are unbeaten in six Premier League away matches since a 3-2 defeat at Newcastle in April (won four, drawn two).
Raphinha has scored five goals from outside the box in the Premier League, the joint-most of any player in the division since his debut in October 2020, tied with Son Heung-min.
This is the first time Leeds have gone six league games without a victory under Bielsa. They have equalled their longest winless run from the beginning of a league campaign: six matches in the 1935-36 top flight and again in the second tier in 1951-52.
What’s next?
Leeds now have a week’s break before entertaining struggling Watford at home a week today (October 2).
West Ham, meanwhile, welcome Rapid Vienna to the London Stadium in the Europa League on Thursday (September 30) before Brentford are the visitors in the top flight next Sunday.
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