Aaronson, Rodon Deliver Pain for Dull West Ham in 2-1 Win

Brenden Aaronson Scores First Premier League Goal in Over Three Years as Leeds United Defeat West Ham

USMNT forward Brenden Aaronson scored his first Premier League goal in over three years as Leeds United secured a 2-1 victory over visiting West Ham United on Friday at Elland Road. The win added to the woes of the Hammers, who continue to struggle in their bid to avoid relegation.

Aaronson opened the scoring in the third minute by poking a loose ball into the net, and Joe Rodon extended Leeds' lead with a headed goal just 15 minutes into the match. The win was crucial for Daniel Farke's team, as they picked up three vital points against a perceived relegation rival.

Despite a late goal from Mateus Fernandes in the 90th minute, which marked his first for West Ham, the Hammers were unable to find a way back into the game. The loss leaves West Ham in 19th place with four points, while Leeds climb to 13th with 11 points.

A Struggling West Ham

West Ham's performance on Friday was an improvement compared to their previous match against Brentford, but it was still far from satisfactory. The team has lost seven of their nine games since the change of managers from Graham Potter to Nuno Espirito Santo, handing points to Sunderland, Brentford, and now Leeds.

The lack of consistency is concerning, especially when looking at key players. Jarrod Bowen, Malick Diouf, and Lucas Paqueta have been standout performers, but others like Alphonse Areola and Max Kilman are not at their best. Injuries have also hampered the team, with Konstantinos Mavropanos sidelined.

Nuno Espirito Santo has struggled to integrate big signings such as Soungoutou Magassa and Mateus Fernandes, and players like Andy Irving and Tomas Soucek appear slow. Crysencio Summerville shows promise but lacks finishing ability, while the full-back position remains problematic outside of Diouf.

What’s Next?

Leeds will face Brighton on Saturday, November 1, at 11am ET, just a day before West Ham hosts Newcastle United in London. Fans will be hoping for a turnaround in form as the January transfer window approaches.

How to Watch

The match between Leeds and West Ham took place at Elland Road in West Yorkshire, with a kick-off time of 3pm ET. The game was available to stream live on NBC.com for viewers in the USA.

Match Highlights

• Brenden Aaronson opened the scoring in the third minute with a well-timed finish.
• Joe Rodon doubled the lead with a powerful header in the 15th minute.
• Mateus Fernandes scored a last-minute goal for West Ham, but it came too late to change the outcome.

Key Moments

• Aaronson nearly made it 3-0, but his shot was blocked by a defender.
• Callum Wilson came on in the 25th minute after Oliver Scarles was substituted due to injury.
• Lucas Paqueta had a goal ruled out for offside, adding to the frustration for West Ham.
• Leeds made several substitutions in the second half, including bringing on Daniel James and Lukas Nmecha.

Lineups

Leeds United: Perri, Bogle, Gudmundsson, Rodon, Bijol, Ampadu, Longstaff, Tanaka, Aaronson, Okafor, Calvert-Lewin

West Ham United: Areola, Scarles, Todibo, Kilman, Wan-Bissaka, Diouf, Soucek, Irving, Summerville, Bowen, Paqueta

Team News

Leeds United: - OUT: Harry Gray (hip) - QUESTIONABLE: Noah Okafor (adductor), Wilfried Gnonto (calf), Ethan Ampadu (illness), Pascal Struijk (illness)

West Ham United: - OUT: George Earthy (thigh), Konstantinos Mavropanos (thigh), Niclas Fullkrug (thigh)

Preview and Prediction

Leeds had struggled in recent matches, but their home record this season has been strong. West Ham, on the other hand, has looked disorganized under both managers, with only one win so far this season.

The prediction for the match was a tight affair, with many expecting a 1-1 draw. However, Leeds proved to be the stronger side on the day, securing a much-needed victory.