Leeds United secured a crucial win at home to continue West Ham’s nightmare run as they took a 2-1 win on Friday night, a late goal from West Ham was not enough to take the points from the home side.
Farke’s men got off to a fast start after Brenden Aaronson bundled in their first attack of the game in the third minute to send the home fans into song. Leeds added a second shortly after as Joe Rodon thundered in a header to make it a comfortable night for the home side.
Mateus Fernandes added a 90th minute goal to make for a nervy end but it was not enough for West Ham, who remain in the relegation zone in their worst Premier League start in history, as pressure builds on Nuno Espirito Santo. They thought they had hope when Lucas Paqueta found the back of the net in the first half, but it was ruled offside.
But what were the key takeaways from a raucous night at Elland Road? GB News reveals all!
WEST HAM NEED TO DEAL WITH CROSSES INTO THE BOX
West ham have not won a game since August
|REUTERS
Espirito Santo has had a stellar career across various clubs, but basic defensive work is missing in this West Ham team.
The very first ball into the box resulted in a goal for Leeds, same with the first corner. The team doesn’t seem to care; there is no drive and no energy from the players who often fail to follow their man. They have conceded the most goals from corners in the Premier League and they are yet to show any signs of progression since the new man took charge in September.
The failings of the team go further than just the manager; there are deep-rooted issues in the club this season that they need to find answers to as soon as possible.
Fans have been very clear about their thoughts on the owners of the team, and this season has been a horror show with the lack of new talent. There is no speed or legs in the team, and they are desperately in need of a new signing to inject some hope.
LEEDS CAN TAKE GREAT CONFIDENCE FROM THE WIN
Leeds can take great confidence from the win against West Ham at Elland Road
|REUTERS
Farke’s men have had a difficult season; they have played well in a lot of games, but have not gotten the points to show for their good work. They can take a lot of confidence from their display under the lights at home.
Leeds have struggled to get the ball in the back of the net, something they nipped in the bud early tonight. There is improvement to be found in the final third, but if they can take their chances from set pieces as they did tonight, there is a stepping stone that they can build on to get results for the rest of the season.
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The fans will be hoping they can sort things out defensively, as even though West Ham were unable to make them pay, too many chances came the way of the visitors.
Getting players' confidence up and improving their ability in front of goal will be the key component for Farke’s men to keep bringing points back to the Leeds United faithful.
LEEDS DEFENCE HOLDS STRONG
Leeds United's defence held strong to secure the three points for Daniel Farke's men
|REUTERS
West Ham produced one of their better performances despite the loss. They were pressing the Leeds defence throughout the second half, but Farke’s team stood strong.
The defence played a crucial part in the win for Leeds; there was a confidence and assured presence to Leeds off the ball that they had been missing this season, and Leeds may have found a system that works, along with the support of the Elland Road faithful.
The team knew their assignments and stuck to them, unlike West Ham, and that ultimately proved the difference between the two sides, as Leeds always had someone to defend the threats from West Ham, and the Hammers did not, despite the late goal the defence played well throughout the 90 minutes.
Leeds will now look to take their good form into their next game against Brighton, while West Ham will be racking their heads for answers before they head for a difficult clash with Newcastle.