The Leeds United duo explained the importance of the result and this period ahead of the next international break
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
12:39, 25 Oct 2025
Joe Rodon celebrates scoring
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Joe Rodon celebrates scoring(Image: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
All sorts of positive emotions were running through the veins of Leeds United’s stars on Friday night following their 2-1 win over West Ham United.
This wildly contrasted to the downcast figures that trudged to the away end at Turf Moor upon a 2-0 defeat to Burnley seven days earlier. That result marked a three-game winless run and meant their home clash against strugglers West Ham was indeed a must-win.
The Whites would deliver, and the mood inside the changing rooms after full time spoke volumes.
“I think you could feel that the first reaction in the dressing room, they were relieved but also unbelievably exhausted,” manager Daniel Farke said after full-time. “Because the mental pressure that these young lads had to handle in the last weeks was massive. So what this will do for the confidence will be priceless, for our belief and our confidence and team spirit.”
Farke said Leeds had worked on set-pieces in training, knowing how much West Ham have struggled from dead-ball situations this season. While Brenden Aaronson’s third-minute strike came in open play, Joe Rodon’s second career Premier League goal 12 minutes later came from a Sean Longstaff corner.
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OPINION
Author avatarIsaac Johnson
Rodon, a player who often wears his emotions on his sleeve, was one of the most crestfallen figures after the final whistle at Burnley. He knew his side had to respond against the Hammers.
“It was important that we showed a reaction to last weekend,” Rodon told Sky Sports. “We were not happy with last week so it was important to come out the traps early and I thought the boys showed great intensity.
“It was a bit frustrating to concede at the end but we are delighted with the three points. We will need everyone and when the boys come in it is important the guys stick together and we did that."
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Matheus Fernandes’ 90th-minute flick-on header indeed came too late for West Ham, who left manager Nuno Espirito Santo majorly concerned about his team’s application and confidence.
They have won just one of their opening nine games while Leeds now have three wins and sit seven points ahead. Elland Road will play a massive role in Leeds' quest for survival and the importance of Friday's win was not lost on midfielder Ao Tanaka in light of a tricky set of fixtures that lie ahead.
“I think especially these four games after the [October] international break are so important because we need to win these games,” said the Japan international. “We have to win at Elland Road.
Leeds United's Joe Rodon celebrates scoring his side's second goal
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Leeds United's Joe Rodon celebrates scoring his side's second goal against West Ham(Image: PA)
“We know how good the atmosphere is in this stadium. So it doesn't matter about the opponent, against Tottenham, against West Ham, it doesn't matter. We have to win these games.”
Leeds’ next two games come on the road, with Brighton & Hove Albion up next on Saturday before a trip to Nottingham Forest, who are now on their third manager of the season under Sean Dyche.
After the November international break comes a perilous run of Aston Villa, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool. The Leeds board are realistic about the team’s chances of points during this period, which is why Friday’s result was so vital.
The club are being guided by a point-per-game average across the season in the hope that this baseline will be enough to keep them up. Eleven points from nine games gives them breathing space - and a calming of the emotions.
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