Leeds and West Ham played an exciting game on Wednesday night, a common sight for Jesse Marsch and the fans at Elland Road. Some good, some bad, but Leeds is undeniably entertaining. West Ham’s game was no different.
Marsch’s men took the early lead in the 28th minute of the match. Wilfried Gnonto scored his first goal in the Premier League. The 19-year-old phenom put up a ferocious finish that went past Lukasz Fabianski and into the back of the net.
Leeds defense lets Marsch down against West Ham
In typical Leeds fashion, the Whites proved to be gracious hosts. West Ham scored the next two goals. The first from a penalty just before the break and the second just a minute after the start of the second half. Lucas Paquetá leveled the score from the penalty spot, while Gianluca Scamacca gave the Hammers the lead with a clinical shot from long range.
However, Leeds fought back to level the game later in the half. Rodrigo wrapped his foot around the ball and slotted it into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. It was the tenth goal for the Spaniard in the Premier League this season.
Both teams had excellent opportunities to take all three points at the end of the match. Michail Antonio couldn’t get a cross into the box for West Ham, while Fabianski made an incredible save in added time to avoid Rodrigo’s header. The game ultimately ended 2-2.
Going into the match at Elland Road, Leeds had not won any of their previous three Premier League matches. However, they usually find the other side of the net. In fact, the Whites have already scored several goals in five of their last seven league games. While they have had no trouble scoring, Leeds have also allowed the fourth most goals in England’s top flight.
Marsch says management is ‘stressful’
Marsch spoke about the stress involved in managing the team. “It’s stressful beyond belief,” Marsch said. “I try to enjoy the moments and I try to be there for the team and what they need, but I hate the stress.”
“The enjoyment is in the people, the players and the relationships we have, the people on staff and the extended staff. There is nothing better than standing on the [technical area] before [first] whistle: it’s right where you want to be. But it’s also awful.”
Marsch was also booked late in the game by West Ham for dissent. The American may be walking a tightrope with club bosses over a lack of results, but he has made Leeds one of the most interesting teams in the league.
PHOTO: IMAGO/PA Images
