Premier League 2025-26: Leeds United past struggling West Ham United

Nuno Espirito Santo became the first West Ham United coach since 2018 to go scoreless in his first four games as his struggling team displayed the same defensive weaknesses that have plagued them all season in a 2-1 defeat to Leeds in the Premier League on Friday.

The Portuguese coach joined the Hammers a month ago after leading Nottingham Forest to a place in Europe, but failed to turn things around quickly in east London.

Since taking over, he now has three defeats and one draw, a record equal to that of Manuel Pellegrini when he took charge of the club in 2018.

Off the pitch, supporters have expressed their dissatisfaction with the board, with thousands boycotting Monday night’s defeat at home to Brentford.

The team has defended poorly all season – conceding nine goals from corners, three more than any other side – leading to the dismissal of Graham Potter. And after fifteen minutes Leeds were already 2-0 behind, again thanks to hesitant defending.

Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola could not keep out Noah Okafor’s header after three minutes, and US international Brenden Aaronson pounced aside the loose ball as West Ham defenders looked on.

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The backline was just as lax twelve minutes later when Joe Rodon headed home unchallenged from a corner.

Mateus Fernandes’ deft header in the final minute gave the Hammers a consolation goal, but an equalizer never looked likely.

The win moves Leeds up to 13th with 11 points, while West Ham are 19th with four points and the worst goal difference in the league.

That number of points is the worst at this stage of the season. Only in the 1932-33 and 1973-74 campaigns did the Hammers start as poorly as they do today.

“We are in a real situation and we have to face the reality of that,” said West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen Air sports.

«You have to face the reality of where we are now and we are in trouble now. We have to go out and fight more than anything. The Premier League is the most difficult competition. We are not playing well and not getting results. We have to change it. We are the only ones who can change it,» he added.

Published on October 25, 2025