Waiting for Nuno Espírito Santo’s First Win Drags On as West Ham Fall to Leeds

The wait for Nuno Espírito Santo’s first victory in charge of West Ham United continues, as the London side suffered a 2–1 defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road.
The outcome was effectively decided within the opening 15 minutes. The hosts struck twice early on — Brenden Aaronson opened the scoring from close range before defender Joe Rodon powered home a header from a Sean Longstaff corner. West Ham struggled to find rhythm throughout much of the match, but they clawed one back late on through Matheus Fernandes, whose precise finish offered a glimmer of hope.
Leeds held firm to secure their third win of the season, climbing to 13th place in the Premier League table. For Nuno and West Ham, however, the pressure continues to mount — the Hammers remain in the relegation zone with just four points, and the search for their first win under the Portuguese coach goes on.
2025-26, England - Premier League
Leeds United - West Ham 2:1 (2:0)
Goals: Aaronson, 3 (1:0); Rodon, 15 (2:0); Fernandes M., 90 (2:1)
Leeds United: Perri; Bogle; Gudmundsson G. (Justin, 44); Rodon; Bijol; Ampadu; Longstaff S.; Calvert-Lewin (Nmecha L., 87); Aaronson (James D., 87); Okafor (Harrison, 46); Tanaka A. (Gruev, 72)
Substitution: Justin (from 44); Harrison (from 46); Gruev (from 72); James D. (from 87); Nmecha L. (from 87)
Bench: Darlow; Struijk; Stach; Piroe
Yellow Cards: Gruev 76; Perri 84; Justin 90
West Ham: Areola; Kilman; Scarles (Wilson C., 25); Paqueta; Diouf Mal.; Todibo; Soucek (Fernandes M., 65); Wan-Bissaka (Walker-Peters, 79); Irving A. (Potts F., 64); Summerville (Magassa, 79); Bowen
Substitution: Wilson C. (from 25); Potts F. (from 64); Fernandes M. (from 65); Walker-Peters (from 79); Magassa (from 79)
Bench: Hermansen; Igor J.; Rodríguez G.; Marshall
Yellow Cards: Summerville 40; Paqueta 55; Todibo 90
