Leeds’ high tempo exposed West Ham’s disjointed tactics as Fernandes’ late goal provided only consolation.
West Ham fell 2–1 to Leeds United at Elland Road, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s tactical gamble backfiring once more. Here’s how the players rated:
Areola – 6: Assured with his handling and made a few good stops. Could do little about the goals.
Scarles – 2: Lost his man for the opener and went off injured early. Nightmare outing.
Todibo – 5: Lacked sharpness and awareness. Failed to react quickly enough to danger.
Kilman – 6: Decent showing but part of a defence that conceded twice in 14 minutes.
Wan-Bissaka – 5: Energetic but out of position at left-back. Did little to stop the opener.
Soucek – 3: Missed a big chance before halftime and left huge gaps in midfield.
Irving – 4: Worked hard but was overrun by Leeds’ pace and intensity.
Diouf – 4: Shifted between wing and full-back but poor defensively and inconsistent.
Paquetá – 5: Showed flashes of brilliance but switched off defensively. Had a goal ruled out.
Bowen – 5: Assisted Fernandes’ goal but struggled to influence play as captain.
Summerville – 4: Tried to help defensively but offered little attacking threat.
Substitutes:
Wilson – 4: Came on for Scarles but had minimal impact.
Potts – 6: Added energy and helped win a corner soon after coming on.
Fernandes – 6: Scored a clever header late on; too little, too late.
Magassa – 5: Steady but unspectacular cameo.
Walker-Peters – 5: Offered fresh legs but little attacking drive.