Leeds United 2–1 West Ham United: Pressure mounts as Nuno’s men remain winless | OneFootball

West Ham left Elland Road still searching for their first win under their new manager, Nuno Espírito Santo, while Leeds recorded their third victory of the season.

Early goals from Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon were enough to see off an underwhelming West Ham United side 2–1.

A late consolation from Matheus Fernandes – set up by captain Jarrod Bowen – proved too little, too late for the visitors.

As It Happened

An early Leeds goal set the tone for a dominant first half from the home side. The move began with a driving run from Ethan Ampadu and ended with Aaronson finishing from close range after Noah Okafor’s header was parried into his path. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was caught sleeping at the back post in a moment that once again highlighted West Ham’s defensive struggles.

Leeds capitalised again 10 minutes later, this time from a corner. The Hammers have now conceded a league-high nine goals from set pieces, and they were punished once more as Rodon rose highest to meet a Sean Longstaff delivery and double the lead.

West Ham thought they had found a way back into the game just after the half-hour mark, but a VAR review ruled Lucas Paquetá offside in the build-up – a rare moment of threat that would have flattered Espírito Santo’s side.

The visitors were much improved after the break, controlling more possession following the introductions of Fernandes and Freddie Potts. The pair helped plug the gaps that Andy Irving and Tomáš Souček had struggled to cover in the first hour.

Nuno had spoken pre-match about the importance of “winning duels,” and with Callum Wilson leading the line after coming on, the London side finally showed more aggression and intent.

Had they played the first half with the same energy as the second, they may have come away with at least a point.

Leeds remained defensively resolute – with Rodon and Jaka Bijol clearing their lines decisively – until the 89th minute.

Bowen cut inside from the right and delivered a pinpoint cross for Fernandes, who glanced his header into the far corner.

The Whites held on to secure all three points, lifting them up the table and creating a six-point cushion above the relegation zone. They now travel to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton next Saturday.

West Ham, meanwhile, remain winless under Nuno and sit 19th – seven points from safety – ahead of a crucial home fixture against Newcastle United.

The Lineups

LEE: Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Bijol, Gudmunsson; Ampadu, Longstaff, Tanaka; Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin, OkaforWHU: Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Scarles; Irving, Soucek; Diouf, Paquetá, Summerville; Bowen