This one will hurt. It really will.
West Ham somehow dragged themselves from 2-0 down after 90 minutes to force extra time, and for a brief moment it felt like one of those famous London Stadium nights was unfolding. Fernandes’ 93rd-minute goal gave us hope, and then out of nowhere Disasi pops up on 96 minutes to level it. Absolute chaos.
But after all that, after 135 minutes of football, it ends in defeat on penalties to Leeds United. From a West Ham perspective, it’s hard to shake the feeling that we left ourselves far too much to do after a really poor first 70 minutes.
There was fight, there was character, but there were also some seriously sloppy performances that put us in that position in the first place.
Player Ratings
Areola – 6
Called into action inside the first minute, tipping an Noah Okafor effort around the post. Could do absolutely nothing about the opener which took a wicked deflection and completely changed flight. Produced a vital save on 32 minutes when Leeds should have made it 2-0 through Stach, and another good stop on 80 minutes. Distribution was poor throughout. Pulled off a crazy save early in extra time and looked to be struggling with cramp late on — with young Finn Herrick literally stripped and ready to come on before the change was eventually made.
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Walker-Peters – 7
Thrown straight into the action early on after Potts lost a duel, with Areola forced into a save from the resulting throw. Had a really tough first half dealing with Okafor as Leeds dominated possession. Much improved second half. Produced a massive tackle on Gnonto to keep the game alive and then somehow back-heeled the ball off the line. Huge moment. Took his penalty well.
Disasi – 8
Unlucky with the opener as Tanaka’s shot deflected through his legs. Responded superbly though — big block to deny Gnonto and defended with authority. Then comes the moment — 96th minute, brilliant in-swinging cross from Traoré and Disasi rises to score the equaliser with a high boot. Massive goal.
Kilman – 4
A really difficult night. Started by dealing with Ampadou’s long throws but was lucky not to concede a penalty early on. Read the game well in moments but the big issue remains his timing — and it cost us again. Completely missed the ball with a sliding challenge to give away the penalty, which Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted to make it 2-0 just as West Ham were gaining control. That timing, tackling technique and coordination issue is becoming a concern.
Diouf – 6
Often left with no one to mark as Bogle drifted inside, which caused problems structurally. Seemed to bottle a 50/50 with Roden early in the second half but improved after the break. Brilliant tackle on Bogle later on. Put in a good cross late that Pablo should have done better with, but also wasted a huge chance himself after another excellent Traoré run.
Potts – 3
Really poor start — three errors inside the opening couple of minutes set the tone. Settled slightly and did produce one excellent cross, but overall looked shaky and struggled badly.
Magassa – 3
Had a nightmare moment for the opener, turned inside out by Tanaka before the shot deflected in. Never really recovered and was hooked at half time.
Fernandes – 5
Started as the most advanced of the midfield three but his touch was unusually poor for large parts of the game. Looked off it for 90 minutes. But then steps up when it matters — perfectly placed to tuck away the rebound from Bowen’s shot on 93 minutes. Massive goal that sparked everything.
Bowen – 6
Started on the left which was a surprise, but it nearly worked early on with a left-footed cross for Castellanos. Switched later and continued to be involved. Hit the post with a brilliant strike that led to Fernandes’ goal and then hit the woodwork again in extra time. Big moments. Missed penalty will hurt.
Traore dribbles past Leeds defence
Traore was West Ham’s best player
Traoré – 8
West Ham’s best player on the night. Electric. Brilliant solo run set up Bowen early and constantly drifted inside causing problems for Daniel Farke’s side. Was blatantly hacked down by Ampadou when through — no attempt to play the ball — and somehow it wasn’t a red card. Referee and VAR bottled it, no doubt. His quality finally told with a perfect cross for Disasi’s equaliser. Ran out of legs towards the end but had given everything over 130+ minutes.
Castellanos – 6
Bright start, forcing a strong save from Perri early on. Worked tirelessly and made good runs, although drifted offside too often. Hit the post with a header in the second half — should score. Had a goal ruled out in extra time and then nearly scored again with a header that Perri saved. Led the line well but lacked that clinical edge.
Substitutes
Pablo – 5
On at half time and worked hard, but his technique let him down in key moments. Headed wide when he should’ve done better and a goal ruled out for offside in extra time. Ball got stuck under his feet late on when he had a big chance. Missed his penalty which was tamely struck.
Souček – 7
Made an immediate difference when he came on. Brought physicality and control to midfield and helped shift momentum. Important block stopped Leeds making it 3-2. Looks like a guaranteed starter now. Took his penalty brilliantly.
Scarles – 5
Came on late in extra time, limited impact but steady enough.
Kanté – 6
Lively cameo. Direct running and created problems. Made a nuisance of himself and had a decent effort after a good solo run.
Herrick – 6
What a moment for the youngster. Thrown into a penalty shootout on his debut in front of 9,000 Leeds fans. Saved the first penalty and nearly got Gnonto’s with a bit of gamesmanship thrown in. Nothing he could do about the rest. Not his fault.
Mayers – N/A
On for the shootout.
Incredible fight. Incredible drama. But ultimately, not enough.
West Ham left themselves with a mountain to climb because of that first half performance, and while the comeback brough a bit of hope, it was heart-breaking to see it snatched at the end. .
Leeds take it. West Ham are out.