Daniel Farke guided Leeds to a significant victory over West Ham, securing a crucial 2-1 win at Elland Road. The result was pivotal for Leeds in their battle to avoid relegation back to the Championship, highlighting the importance of securing victories against struggling teams like the Hammers, who have faced a challenging start to the 2025-26 campaign.
First-half goals from Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon propelled Leeds to victory, with Mateus Fernandes scoring a late consolation goal for West Ham. The win not only boosted Leeds’ confidence but also highlighted Farke’s impact at the club following his challenging Premier League record at former club Norwich, where he was relieved of his duties nearly four years ago.
The victory against West Ham serves as a positive step for Farke and Leeds, with further results against teams battling relegation likely to secure Farke’s position at the helm of the club for the entirety of the campaign.
Meanwhile, Illan Meslier, who played a pivotal role as Farke’s number one goalkeeper during Leeds’ Championship title-winning campaign last season, has found limited opportunities in the current campaign. Despite being left out of the matchday squad on several occasions, Meslier was present at Elland Road following Leeds’ victory over West Ham.
Reports suggest that Meslier visited the West Ham changing room after the match, potentially meeting with former Leeds player Crysencio Summerville. Meslier’s future at Leeds remains uncertain, with interest from clubs such as Inter Milan indicating that the French goalkeeper continues to attract attention from top sides.
Although Meslier’s omission from matchday squads could impact his market value, potential transfer bids in the past suggest that Leeds view him as a valuable asset. As Meslier’s situation unfolds, Leeds may face decisions regarding his future that could impact both the player and the club’s financial position.
