Leeds rushes to victory as Aaronson and Rodon punish a miserable West Ham.

After being fired by Nottingham Forest, Nuno Espírito Santo may have thought about taking a leisurely cruise, but he eventually got to experience it as he watched his West Ham defense gaze out to sea while the driving rain served as his ocean spray. Leeds won because to two mistakes in focus in the first thirty minutes, which also made it clear that the Hammers are in danger of relegation.

Nine games into the season, West Ham is now in second place in the Premier League, and their lone victory came against their current manager. They dominated the ball at Elland Road and were eventually rewarded with a late consolation goal from Manuel Fernandes, but early close-range goals from Joe Rodon and Brenden Aaronson have kept Nuno’s shaky start going.

There were not many expectations for entertainment inside Elland Road given that the two teams could only claim one victory between them in their last ten games, and that victory came for Leeds against Wolves, the worst team. However, the hosts got off to a quick start thanks to their established structure, whereas West Ham was still figuring out theirs under Nuno.

The Hammers’ vulnerability was already evident as the clock reached the third minute. Aaronson was the only player to respond to a deep cross from Jayden Bogle that was traveling toward the six-yard line, while the Hammers defenders were all unavoidably standing in the incorrect spot. Nuno, who is renowned for his ability to plan defenses, will be quite concerned about the disarray experienced when attempting to protect their own objective. To create the moments that keep them in games, West Ham depends on their best players. Jarrod Bowen attempted an incredible overhead kick, but it went straight to the Leeds goalkeeper, Lucas Perri, who had been called up. It was the first hint that there might be a competition.

Lucas Paquetá’s poor attempt at sticking tight meant that by the time Sean Longstaff’s corner in the 15th minute found Rodon unmarked five yards from goal, the cries of “Sack the board” had already begun in the away end. It was another instance of players not doing their fundamental defensive responsibilities. Nuno looked away, lost in concentration as the rain from Yorkshire poured down. Perhaps it would have been more soothing to take a break after leaving Nottingham Forest.

After a long wait while medical personnel attended to what looked to be a serious shoulder injury, Ollie Scarles was replaced in the 25th minute. Nuno ended the experiment with inverted full-backs by bringing on striker Callum Wilson in the vain hope that it might alter the course of the game.

Wilson deflected a Bogle clearing into the Brazilian’s path, and Paquetá thought he had made some sort of atonement for his non-marking when he rifled the ball into the roof of the net as West Ham started to show intent. It was evident that Paquetá was offside when the flag was finally raised and a strangely lengthy video assistant referee check was conducted due to a technical malfunction, which partially accounted for the first half’s 13 minutes of extra time.

West Ham had a chance if they could maintain the momentum they had established in the closing minutes of the first half. Both teams struggled to establish rhythm right after the half, frequently dropping the ball and unable to find a vital last delivery when needed. Perhaps this was due to the length of the game.

Although the visitors appeared to be the more threatening team in the last third, Paquetá was clearly frustrated by the lack of creativity and was booked for arguing with referee Stuart Attwell. A very meaningless throw-in against him was the source of the Brazilian’s annoyance.

West Ham was gaining possession of Leeds, who were content to wait to attack them. Aaronson got the ball back deep in his own half and dribbled 60 yards to the outside of the opposition box, where he smashed a shot that was deflected onto the bar, almost luring the Hammers in. Leeds also had the option of going straight to the striker and letting him hold up the ball, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin chose not to take the knee prior to kickoff. It was a clever way to quickly alter the dynamic.

Before Fernandes’ headed flick in the 90th minute added some drama to stoppage time, Leeds was able to hold West Ham at bay. Leeds, who have been led by Daniel Farke for more than two years, know what they’re doing by being aggressive and physical. Despite having just played four games, Nuno is clearly aware that it will be extremely challenging to bring calmer waters to east London.