Sun Oct 26 13:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Leeds United Pile More Pressure on West Ham with Home Victory

Leeds, UK – Leeds United secured a crucial 2-1 victory over West Ham United at Elland Road on Saturday, heaping further misery on the struggling London club. Early goals from Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon proved decisive, lifting Leeds to 13th in the Premier League table while leaving West Ham languishing in the bottom three.

Aaronson opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, pouncing on a rebound after Noah Okafor’s header was parried by West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. The American international’s strike was his first Premier League goal since August 2022. “I’ve been really working hard,” Aaronson told Sky Sports after the match, “and I’m proud of myself.”

Just twelve minutes later, Rodon doubled Leeds’ lead with a powerful header from a Sean Longstaff corner, easily shaking off his marker. The Welshman’s goal showcased the improved aerial threat praised recently by Leeds boss Daniel Farke.

West Ham, already reeling from their poor start to the season, suffered another setback when Ollie Scarles was forced off with a shoulder injury in the first half. A disallowed goal following a VAR review further added to the Hammers’ frustration.

While West Ham controlled more possession in the second half, clear-cut chances were scarce. Substitute Mateus Fernandes finally found the net with a header in the 90th minute, but it proved too little, too late for the visitors.

The defeat marks West Ham’s worst start to a top-flight season, with only four points from their first nine games. Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, who replaced Graham Potter in September, remains winless after four matches in charge. “I’m worried since I arrived,” Santo admitted, “We are committed and embrace the challenge that we have ahead — it’s a big one, a big, big one.”

Leeds, bouncing back from their recent home defeat against Tottenham, held on through a tense four minutes of added time, securing a vital three points and further deepening the crisis at West Ham.

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