Aaronson and Rodon Punish West Ham as Leeds Claim Victory

Published: 25 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Perhaps taking an extended holiday after being sacked by Nottingham Forest would have been a more sensible next step for Nuno Espírito Santo. Instead, he finds himself captaining a sinking ship, with West Ham defenders appearing all at sea during a 2-1 defeat to Leeds at Elland Road.

Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon were given too much space in the box, putting Leeds two goals up within the first fifteen minutes. Leeds faded in the second half, offering West Ham a chance to fight back, but the visitors lacked the quality in the final third and could manage only a late consolation through Manuel Fernandes. The defeat leaves West Ham second-bottom of the Premier League after nine matches, marking their worst start to a season in 52 years. Their only win came ironically against their current head coach.

Elland Road rocked within the opening minutes, as the Hammers’ defensive vulnerabilities were exposed. A deep Jayden Bogle cross found Aaronson unmarked along the six-yard line, with West Ham defenders misplaced. Known for his defensive organisation, Nuno will have been deeply troubled by the confusion in his backline.

By the 15th minute, chants of “Sack the board” could be heard from the away end. Sean Longstaff’s corner found Rodon unmarked, courtesy of Lucas Paquetá’s failure to stay tight. Once again, basic defensive duties were ignored as neither claret-and-blue centre-back challenged for the ball. Nuno turned away, contemplative, as the Yorkshire rain poured down.

West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen reflected on the club’s dire situation: “You have to face the reality of where we are: second bottom and we’re in trouble now. The only way this is going to change is if players step up, roll their sleeves up and get ready for the fight. We need more of that week in, week out. When things aren’t going so well, it’s easy to hide and be scared but as easy as it is to say, it’s hard to do. We have to do that, that’s my only mindset.”

In the 25th minute, Ollie Scarles was substituted after a lengthy delay due to a serious shoulder injury. Nuno sent on striker Callum Wilson, ending his inverted full-backs experiment, in a desperate bid to alter the match’s trajectory.

West Ham appeared to respond when Paquetá rifled a shot into the roof of the net following a blocked clearance. However, the flag went up, and a protracted VAR check caused by technological failure confirmed his offside, explaining the unusually long 13 minutes of first-half stoppage time.

The second half was a muted affair, with Leeds dropping deep out of fear of conceding, while West Ham, devoid of confidence, struggled to assert themselves. Leeds’ approach allowed West Ham to control possession, yet the visitors remained ineffective in the final third.

Aaronson nearly extended Leeds’ advantage when he dribbled 60 yards from deep, only for his shot to be deflected onto the bar. “Our approach to individual duels, our approach to defensive tactics, our confidence, so many things,” Nuno said, highlighting his growing concerns.

Leeds regularly relieved pressure by sending passes to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who notably opted not to take the knee before kick-off. Fernandes’ 90th-minute headed goal added late drama but was insufficient to change the outcome. Daniel Farke praised his side: “We had fighting will, passion and spirit to get it over the line. The nerves began again but it was also good the confidence to bring it over the line. It was a priceless three points for us.”

Leeds’ physicality and aggression under Farke, who has been in charge for over two years, contrast sharply with West Ham’s current struggles. Nuno, after only four matches, recognises the scale of the challenge ahead. “I am worried since I have arrived, it is not something that surprised me. I am worried but we are committed and embrace the challenge we have ahead of us,” he said.

West Ham now face an urgent need to regroup as they continue to battle for Premier League survival, while Leeds celebrate a crucial victory that underscores their tactical discipline and resilience.