[West Ham’s](https://www.claretandhugh.info/hes-going-for-glory-west-ham-vs-leeds-united-preview-predicted-score-line-ups/) late rally – with goals in the 93rd and 96th minute – transformed the atmosphere around London Stadium from utter dejection to wild delirium. Fans who’d left early in disgust found themselves locked out, missing two goals, extra time and a penalty shootout. There’s a learning point there.
West Ham’s late rally showed grit and determination and, when Nuno’s management team sits down to prepare for the crucial Wolves game, there are positives that must shine through the disappointment.
**Adama Traore** suddenly looks a world-beater. Nuno’s pick in the January window, the winger showed skill to match his pace and physicality . West Ham’s man of the match set up Disasi’s equaliser and had the beating of anyone in a blue shirt. Having been a ‘doubter’ when he arrived, the Spanish flyer was a constant threat and in that form, would be hard to drop if he’s fit for the Wolves game, irrespective of Summerville’s fitness.
**Mohamadou Kanté** has surely come of age. The young Frenchman only appeared as a late substitute but showed drive and pace to carry goal threat after Castellanos was withdrawn. At just 20, he’s still raw but has everything that starter Magassa didn’t have this afternoon and must surely be ahead of him in any future West Ham line up.
Mohamadou Kante developing into a wonderful midfield talent
And **Fin Herrick –** again at just 20 – has shown he’s ready to step up into senior football at West Ham. The young goalkeeper had to face a nervous five minutes of extra time before the penalty shootout. Such was his mindset that he saved Leeds’ first penalty and looked to the manor born. At one stage he was grinning and talking to himself – evidently, despite the pressure, England’s u19 ‘keeper looked to be enjoying himself.
And the **manner of West Ham’s fightback.** How important that last day fixture against Leeds United might become: The Hammers know now they have the beating of Leeds once their match winners are returned to the first team, and will go into that last day without fear. Two goals, two VAR ruled out and two attempts hitting the woodwork. On any other day…
And better to lose a penalty shootout after a wonderful, memorable fightback, frankly, than limply capitulate (as per the headlines I’d originally written at ninety minutes)..It could have been much, much worse and the knives would really have been out for Nuno if the Hammers hadn’t launched that late comeback.