Daniel Farke
Leeds United have moved up to 13th in the Premier League table with their win over West Ham. The Hammers continue to search for their first win under new manager Nuno Espirito.
It was a flawless first half performance from the White as they scored both goals which eventually won the game. Brenden Aaronson got on the scoresheet for the first time in a while, and Joe Rodon headed in yet another goal from a set piece this season.
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Leeds expected goal difference Credit: FBref
Leeds rank the sixth best team in the league on expected goal difference, and that quality showed against a very flat West Ham side on Friday.
QUIZ: Can you name the Leeds game these 10 goal celebrations are from?
Leeds United boss unhappy despite win
Jarrod Bowen Credit: FBref
Despite clinching a big win and three crucial points at home, Daniel Farke was not completely pleased with what he saw during the 90 minutes.
“First of all, I’m delighted to take the three points. It is difficult to explain how we were standing there after the last three games with one point. We had much more domination and controlled the performance.
“We had a difficult week, in terms of illnesses and injuries. It was a difficult week for us. You could feel it. We showed passion and bravery.
“In the last 20 minutes you could feel it was a difficult week. A big fighting spirit, will and passion to bring it over the line.
“It is good for confidence to bring it over the line. A priceless three points.
“Of course, we spoke about set-pieces. We spoke about a few things we wanted to explore.
“Today we had to be smart in terms of our game management. They prepared to give all our energy today.
“Overall, the lads dug in and stuck together. A lot of fighting spirit today and we earned the three points.”
Daniel Farke has every reason not to be pleased
Farke has every reason to be disappointed – the second half performance was not the best. Leeds being good in one half and sloppy in the other has cost them recent games; including against Bournemouth. The Whites went from 51% possession, three big chances created and 1.23 expected goals to 0 big chances, 32% possession and 0.26 expected goals in the second half.
West Ham second half Credit: Sofascore
You can point to Daniel Farke telling his side to sit off and preserve the lead, but the game was very tense when the Hammers pulled one back in the 90th minute. Hopefully this is a lesson the team can learn moving forward.
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