West Ham Lose 2-1 to Leeds United | Nuno Espírito Santo Watches

Key Points

• West Ham United lost 2-1 to Leeds United at Elland Road on 24 October 2025, marking their worst start to a Premier League season in over 50 years.
• Leeds scored two early goals within the first 15 minutes through Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon.
• West Ham’s full-back Ollie Scarles suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder during the match.
• West Ham’s substitute Mateus Fernandes scored a late consolation goal in the 90th minute.
• West Ham remains in the relegation zone with only four points from nine matches.
• Leeds United climbed to 13th place in the Premier League table after their third win of the season.
• Nuno Espírito Santo has yet to win in four games since taking charge of West Ham in September 2025.
• Nuno expressed concern over the team’s performance but emphasized commitment to the challenge ahead.
• Technical issues prevented the use of Semi-Automated Offside Technology during the VAR review of a disallowed West Ham goal.
• The defeat adds pressure on West Ham as they prepare for important upcoming fixtures against Newcastle United and Burnley.

What was the final result of the West Ham vs Leeds United match?

On 24 October 2025, West Ham United suffered a 2-1 defeat against Leeds United in a Premier League match held at Elland Road. Leeds secured victory through early strikes by Brenden Aaronson in the 3rd minute and Joe Rodon in the 15th minute. West Ham’s lone goal came late in the 90th minute when substitute Mateus Fernandes scored a header from a Jarrod Bowen cross, but it was insufficient to avoid defeat, as reported by the West Ham official website and ESPN sports analysis.​

How did the match unfold?

Leeds United took an immediate lead within three minutes, starting with a Jayden Bogle cross that found Noah Okafor’s header saved by West Ham’s goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. Brenden Aaronson followed up quickly to score from close range. Leeds dominated the early part of the game, scoring their second goal via a Joe Rodon header from a corner kick. West Ham struggled for much of the match and rarely posed a serious offensive threat. Despite a spectacular bicycle kick attempt by Jarrod Bowen, which was saved by Leeds’ goalkeeper Lucas Perri, West Ham could not break down Leeds’ defence.

Leeds goalkeeper Perri was impressive, making several crucial saves to maintain the clean sheet until late in the game. The physical conditions were challenging, with wet and windy weather affecting play. West Ham also faced a setback when full-back Ollie Scarles suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder midway through the first half, forcing an early substitution.​

What were the key tactical elements and challenges for West Ham?

West Ham’s head coach Nuno Espírito Santo fielded a team focusing on balance but faced difficulties adapting to Leeds’ intensity and pressing style. The defensive line, particularly after Scarles’ injury, was vulnerable to quick Leeds transitions. The early conceded goals underscored West Ham’s defensive lapses, which Leeds capitalized on effectively. Nuno’s tactical changes, including substitutions of defensive and midfield players such as Mateus Fernandes and Anthony Potts, came too late to influence the match outcome meaningfully.

Nuno Espíritu Santo admitted the team’s worrying start to the season, stating,

“We are worried, but we are committed and embrace the challenge that we have ahead—it’s a big one, a big, big one”.​

What were the controversial or notable moments?

A notable moment occurred when Lucas Paquetá appeared to score for West Ham late in the first half, but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside following a VAR review. Due to technical difficulties, the Semi-Automated Offside Technology was unavailable, necessitating a manual VAR intervention to confirm the decision.​

In the dying moments of the game, Mateus Fernandes scored with a well-placed header off Bowen’s cross, igniting last-minute pressure from West Ham. Despite this, the home side held firm, securing all three points.

What impact does the result have on West Ham’s Premier League campaign?

The defeat leaves West Ham with only four points from their first nine games, marking their worst start in over 50 years and placing them firmly in the relegation zone. The team’s ongoing struggles have intensified scrutiny of Nuno Espírito Santo’s management since taking over in September, with no wins in his first four matches.

This loss increases pressure on West Ham, with back-to-back crucial home fixtures against Newcastle United and Burnley looming. The club’s hopes to steer clear of relegation will depend on improved defensive organisation and attacking efficiency in the coming weeks.​

What are the next steps for West Ham United?

Following this setback, West Ham must regroup quickly. Training will focus on defensive improvements and sharpening offensive coordination. With challenging fixtures ahead, it is vital for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side to collect vital points before the upcoming November international break. The management and coaching staff are expected to review player fitness and tactical options, potentially exploring squad reinforcements during the transfer window to strengthen key areas.​

West Ham’s 2-1 defeat at Leeds United highlights their ongoing difficulties this Premier League season. The early goals conceded, injury setbacks, and inability to mount a substantial comeback emphasize the challenges faced by Nuno Espírito Santo since his appointment. Leeds United’s composed performance elevated them to safety mid-table, while West Ham face a critical period to turn their fortunes around in pursuit of Premier League survival.