The final away Premier League game for Leeds United ended in a loss at West Ham United. The home team came from behind to win the game despite gaining the lead midway through the first half.
Leeds was the first team to create opportunities as the game started at the London Stadium. After Rodrigo missed an early chance, Jack Harrison forced the opening save by volleying a cross from Luke Ayling, only to have Lukasz Fabianski turn the ball away.
Rodrigo’s 13th goal of the year gave Leeds, who were still in control and enjoying a tonne of possession and attacking possibilities, the lead in the 17th minute.
The goal was the result of Weston McKennie’s long throw-in into the area, which was perfectly placed for the Spaniard to rush on to and volley in with his first attempt.
The hosts prepared a counterattack and a response to falling behind. Declan Rice’s effort from the edge of the box was just wide of the target, and then Ayling stopped another attempt from the midfielder. Joel Robles was then called upon to make a save when he stopped Tomas Soucek from getting near.
In the 32nd minute, West Ham did tie the score. Rice was the one who scored, volleying Jarrod Bowen’s cross home for the first time after finding space at the back of the penalty area.
After the goal, Allardyce was forced to make his first forced substitution of the game, Willy Gnonto taking Patrick Bamford’s place in the attacking area.
At both ends, there were final opportunities before the break. Ahead of Harrison’s wide shot from Rodrigo’s pull-back, Fabianski saved a header from Robin Koch.
Four minutes of extra time were added, and when Lucas Paqueta had a chance of his own at the other end, the whistle sounded to signify the end of the half just as the Brazilian’s volley had gone over the crossbar.
“West Ham United and Leeds United tie at halftime [1 – 1]“
Kurt Zouma was replaced in the defense for the remainder of the game by Thilo Kehrer, who was introduced off the bench by David Moyes.
After the interval, the home team made a superior second-half start and had the first scoring opportunity. Robles dove to his right and blocked Paqueta’s first-time goal attempt when the player was in a free area just outside the box.
Up until the hour mark of the game, West Ham was in control and required more saves from Robles. In response, Leeds made adjustments, appointing Crysencio Summerville and Brenden Aaronson in place of Harrison and Adam Forshaw.
“Leeds United defeats West Ham [3-1] in the end of the game.”
In the 72nd minute, the home team scored its second goal of the contest. Danny Ings sent Bowen through the Leeds defense with the ball, and despite Robles getting a touch, Bowen poked the ball toward the goal, where it deflected off the inside of the post and into the goal.
As the game neared its end, further substitutions were made from either bench. Despite Leeds’ best efforts, West Ham would score in the seventh minute of extended stoppage time.
Paqueta made a cutting move from the wing and used deft footwork to enter the box. He then dragged it back for Manuel Lanzini, who had just come off the bench, to score from close range and give his team the victory.
[Source Image: leedsunited.com]
