Leeds United

Molly Whitmore
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Friday night under the Elland Road lights - that is what football is all about and what a game it turned out to be.

Leeds bounced back in style with a 2–1 win over West Ham and you could feel the sense of relief ripple through the stands. After the disappointment against Burnley last week, this felt like a huge step in the right direction.

Let's start with our Prince of Wales himself - Joe Rodon. The man is simply fantastic every single week. Composed, commanding and utterly dependable, he is the heartbeat of our defence. It is getting to the point where I am running out of superlatives for him.

The only downside? I am absolutely gutted that I left him on my Fantasy Premier League bench with 13 points! Typical, isn't it? The one week I thought he might not haul and he ends up being man of the match. Always back your men!

For Daniel Farke, this result will come as a huge relief. The pressure was beginning to build after the Burnley defeat and if we had gone down to West Ham as well, the criticism would have only grown louder.

Credit where it is due though, he showed real courage in his team selection. Dropping a few players who had looked off the pace last week was the right call, even if it raised a few eyebrows before kick-off.

I will admit I was questioning why Brenden Aaronson had not been one of those changes. But fair play, he proved me wrong in some style. His energy and drive were infectious and he was at the heart of everything positive going forward.

Gabby Logan said on Match of the Day that Leeds are "already safe in October". I love her optimism and it is refreshing to hear someone outside the club backing us, but I am not quite ready to share her confidence just yet. We have made a solid start, but there is still a long road ahead. If we can follow up this win with a strong performance against Brighton, then maybe we really can start believing.

We are only a point behind Brighton and there is absolutely no reason we can't go there and get all three points. That said, there is always the small matter of Danny Welbeck, the ex-Red Devil who seems to have a knack for scoring when you least want him to. Let's hope our defence led by the imperious Rodon keeps him quiet.

Before I wrap up, I have to mention Sean Longstaff. I think this must be the third or fourth week in a row I have sung his praises, but I can't help it - he has just been brilliant. Tireless, intelligent and quietly consistent, he is exactly the kind of player every good side needs.

Friday felt like a turning point and a reminder of what this Leeds team can be when belief, bravery and a bit of Rodon royalty all come together.

Molly Whitmore is a regular contributor on BBC Radio Leeds - find all their audio here

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

Leeds United have taken 11 points from their first nine Premier League matches and, even if they are beaten in game number 10 at Brighton on Saturday, recent history would suggest Daniel Farke's side will steer clear of relegation this season.

Stats cynics will rightly point out that surely there is a difference between just having 11 points after 10 games and having significantly more than that?

But if we look at exactly the position Leeds are in now, with 11 points after nine games, history still suggests they will stay up.

Leeds are the 11th promoted side to have 11 points after nine games. Eight of the previous 10 promoted sides in that position survived, including all of the past seven - a group which includes Leeds themselves in 2020-21.

The last time a promoted team was relegated after such a start was Manchester City in 2000-01, although Aston Villa did only survive on the final day of the 2019-20 campaign.

We asked for your thoughts after Friday's Premier League game between Leeds United and West Ham.

Here are some of your comments:

Leeds fans

Andrew: 11 points from nine games is an excellent start. We need to be more clinical, merciless and attack-minded when ahead. We need an in-form striker to make Dominic Calvert-Lewin wake up and fight for his place or possibly forming an attacking partnership with him, which hasn't been seen in years.

Paul: We were perfect in our approach. Fast start, hard work with our 2-0 lead, and then hitting on the break when the opportunities arise. A very good win.

Chris: Although dominant in the first half, I was still worried throughout if we were to concede one goal, others could follow; a third goal would have given us that cushion. Leeds need to maintain a high tempo throughout matches, as I believe that can bring us improved performance and results.

Andy: Solid performance from Leeds and a valuable three points. We looked solid at the back, Perri and Rodon commanded the box and Ampadu was a rock. We still lack goals and wasted too many chances though. Calvert-Lewin's hold-up play is fantastic, just nobody is feeding off him.

West Ham fans

Gerald: Very poor, and I've seen better teams at the school level. I have not seen any improvement under this manager.

Sue: What a load of rubbish. That's all I can say.

Mick: Defending is again the problem. These are Premier League players delivering League One performances. Without an injection of character and aggression on the pitch, it's hard to see them staying up. Even worse than Southampton last term. Championship next season.

Martin: Shocking start to the game - Leeds scoring their first attack. Defensively we are a shambles and we need central defenders with presence. Todibo and Kilman are like rabbits in the headlights so bring back Zouma!

Graham: We're clearly in a relegation battle and the worry is the players don't seem to realise it. Forget about the board. I feel sorry for the manager(s) having to watch the same mistakes over and over again. Time to look at the real problem and for these players to step up and fight for the club.

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

While a lack of goals had been a major concern for Leeds in their opening eight league games, that issue was alleviated by the visit of the top-flight's worst defence.

Daniel Farke's side brutally exposed West Ham's weaknesses early on with Brenden Aaronson the tormentor-in-chief, scoring his first Premier League goal since August, 2022, and clipping the bar with a deflected effort after a rampaging run.

West Ham's inability to deal with crosses was clearly evident as Joe Rodon's goal was the ninth time they had conceded from a corner this term - the most of any side in the league's history after the same number of games.

Leeds could, and perhaps should, also have had more.

Ethan Ampadu, Noah Okafor and Jack Harrison all had opportunities, while they kept the visitors at bay with dogged defending until the end.

Pundits Michael Carrick and Ashley Williams join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

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And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Chelsea 1-2 Sunderland

• Newcastle 2-1 Fulham

• Man Utd 4-2 Brighton

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke spoke to Sky Sports after beating West Ham United: "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."

Central defender Joe Rodon spoke to Sky Sports, after scoring against the Hammers: "It was important to show a reaction after last weekend. It was important to come out the traps early, and I'm delighted with the three points.

"I think every team is difficult in this league. I'm a bit frustrated to concede at the end, but overall delighted with the three points.

"It was important to keep that momentum and make it difficult for teams to come here."

Did you know?

• Joe Rodon has netted two goals in his last three home games after managing just one in his previous 47 with Leeds United.

• This was Leeds United's first Premier League victory against a London club since beating Chelsea 3-0 at Elland Road in August 2022, ending a 16-game winless run against sides from the capital in the competition (D2 L14).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Leeds United's performance

What did you make of West Ham's display?

Come back on Saturday for a selection of your replies

Leeds make four changes to the side that started their 2-0 Premier League defeat at Burnley last Saturday.

Lucas Perri starts in goal, while Jaka Bijol, Noah Okafor and Ao Tanaka come in as Karl Darlow, Pascal Struijk, Anton Stach and Jack Harrison drop to the bench.

West Ham make two changes to the team that began their 2-0 loss at home to Brentford on Monday.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf both start, in place of Kyle Walker-Peters and Mateus Fernandes.

Paul Birch
BBC Sport Journalist

Struggling West Ham United travel to Elland Road chasing a first win under new boss Nuno Espirito Santo as they take on a Leeds United side who have managed just one league victory since the opening weekend. BBC Sport takes a look at some of the key themes ahead of their Friday night clash.

While Elland Road is regarded as one of the most hostile grounds to visit in English football, West Ham's players might actually be relived to be playing there given the toxic atmosphere that has enveloped their own London Stadium of late.

The loss to Brentford on Monday saw them register five successive top-flight home defeats for only the second time in their history after previously doing so back in April 1931.

Not only that, but their tally of just four points after eight games (converting results to three points for a win) is the Hammers' joint worst start to a top-flight season along with the 1973-74 and 1988-89 campaigns.

Nuno Espirito Santo's reign has not got off to a great start and he goes into this game having claimed a solitary point from three matches. The last West Ham manager to fail to win any of their first four games in charge was Manuel Pellegrini in September 2018.

They have the anomaly of following up a Monday night match with another fixture under the lights on Friday. The Hammers can at least fall back on an excellent recent record against Leeds. Four wins in their last six league games (D1, L1) against the Yorkshire side is as many as they had managed in their previous 37 encounters.

Image source, BBC Sport

There may not be many more Premier League matches this season that finish 2-0 when the losing side have been as statistically dominant as Leeds United were in defeat to Burnley at Turf Moor.

Leeds were way ahead in almost every attacking metric bar the one that matters, goals. As ever in football, results are all that matter and the Clarets' victory means they are now only a point behind Leeds' tally of eight.

If West Ham win they will also be just a point adrift of Daniel Farke's side and a hat-trick of defeats will make the promising start they made to life back in the Premier League feel like a distant memory. Their expected points tally is 12.8, a full 4.8 more than their actual total, highlighting how they have failed to capitalise on good performances.

After surrendering their 23-match unbeaten run in home league games to Tottenham three weeks ago, the Whites will be keen to establish Elland Road as a fortress again in a game that feels crucial despite it still being October.

Image source, BBC Sport

The Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast looks to a key fixture against West Ham United.

Get all the preview chit chat on a big night at Elland Road.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

We know why Nuno Espirito Santo was brought in - to keep West Ham up - but it looks like it is going to be difficult for him.

He is still waiting for his first win after three games as Hammers manager, and his side were quite lucky to only lose 2-0 against Brentford on Monday.

Whenever I watch a team play as poorly as West Ham did then, I wonder how they will ever win a game.

Leeds are not on a great run either, but I still feel like they've been competitive when I've seen them.

Most people would probably go for a draw here - that's what I'm expecting from the readers anyway - but I actually think Leeds might edge this one.

I have a feeling West Ham will score, because Jarrod Bowen is always dangerous, but I don't fancy them to keep a clean sheet even though sorting out their defence is probably Nuno's priority.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Attacking midfielder Samuel Alker, 16, has yet to agree to signing a professional deal with Leeds United when he turns 17 in March and is attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It is rare in the game to see a football playing family so deeply wedded across the generations to one club.

From Eddie and his brother Frank, to the latter's son Andy and his own two offspring in Archie and now Harry, the Gray dynasty is set to continue at Leeds United for a little longer at least.

The Cresswells, with father Richard and sons Charlie and now Alfie, may have a similar claim down the line but, as United manager Daniel Farke said, there is a special bond with the Grays.

"There's a big trust between not just Harry but his whole family and the club," the German said after it was announced that the 17-year-old had signed his first professional deal.

Credit to all parties for thrashing out a long-term contract for a player who is clearly sought after elsewhere but whose family will know the merit of him staying at Elland Road, where in time he will add to his one senior appearance.

His elder brother Archie left for Tottenham for £40m after almost helping his hometown club to promotion after Farke's first year in charge. Quite literally, that is the cost of not going up.

Once Harry does break into the first team and holds down a place, it would be comforting to think that he would spend longer at the club, who by then, one would hope, would be in an even stronger position to keep their emerging talent.

As Farke went on to say: "It is a cornerstone for our future that promising players like Harry sign new contracts."

Under Fifa rules, a player under 18 cannot sign a professional contract longer than three years and that "any clause referring to a longer period shall not be recognised".

By the time of his next birthday in October 2026, and any renegotiation, the intention is that Harry sees his future at Leeds United, who will hope to have secured another season in the Premier League and are not worrying about having to sell the family silver to stay within PSR parameters.

Listen to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds

Tyrese King
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Friday's Premier League game against West Ham at Elland Road (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• He has a few "late decisions" to make over player availability: "Noah [Okafor] and Willy [Gnonto] are making progress, but have not completed team training this week so far. A few are struggling with illnesses and there are also question marks about Ethan [Ampadu] and Pascal's [Struijk] availability."

• Farke said his team needs to "convert chances to score goals" but is pleased with how they are playing and how "dominant" they are despite the lack of points.

• Farke expects a "difficult game" from the Hammers, despite their defeat by Brentford this week, because they are "a well-established Premier League side": "I didn't like their game on Monday because after such a game they will be even more determined. They have a very experienced approach."

• On the difficulties of facing a fellow struggler: "There is no added pressure. At this level, every game has pressure, and so far we have played huge games. We look forward to these games and it's why we have worked our socks off in the last 24 months."

• On how criticial Elland Road will be to success this season: "It's always important for newly established Premier League sides to make their home a fortress. If you look at the teams who have survived, they had really good home records, which is what we want to do."

• Therefore, he wants his side to start quickly: "We need to be good in our pressing and to play as dominant as possible."

• On 17-year-old Harry Gray's new contract: "Nowadays, it's always complicated. With lawyers and agents etc involved, it can last a while. But this was relatively straightforward because there was a lot of trust, not just between us and Harry, but also his whole family with the club."

• He said the deal proves the attraction of Leeds for young footballers: "It's important to our club that promising players like Harry sign new contracts because we want to develop our own talents. I'm pretty delighted that's over the line."

Follow all of Wednesday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Hear more from Farke on BBC Sounds

Image source, Leeds United

Leeds United youngster Harry Gray has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The 17-year-old joins his brother Archie, father Andy, great-uncle Eddie and grandfather Frank in putting pen to paper at Elland Road.

The club said the striker has signed a "long-term deal" and they "look forward to seeing his development" in the future.

Gray made his senior debut for his boyhood club last season, featuring in the 6-0 victory over Stoke City, and has since appeared on the bench this campaign in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup.

Adonis Storr
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

When certain players get the ball and run at an opposition, there is a rise in excitement and anticipation. You think: 'There could be a goal here'. At no point did I get that feeling when Leeds' attacking players got the ball against Burnley at the weekend.

In the past three games, Leeds have amassed 54 shots, scoring three times – only Arsenal (+36) and Manchester City (+30) have better shot differences (shots minus shots faced) than Leeds (+29). It is frustrating.

"In order to be competitive and to survive in the best league in the world, we need to do a bit more in the offence," Daniel Farke said before the summer transfer window closed at the start of September.

But the deadline came and went and Leeds did not bring in any more attacking players.

United's front three against Burnley all have proven track records of inefficiency in front of goal – measured by the metric expected goals minus goals. Brenden Aaronson (-6.8), Jack Harrison (-2.2) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (-18.4) have all scored below expectations over their careers according to FBref.

United are 15th in the league with a point a game – probably just enough to stay in the Premier League come May. But the work rate of Aaronson and Harrison, and Calvert-Lewin's skill as a target-man have not been enough to win games – Leeds need goals.

And the margins are fine – four points lost in injury time against Fulham and Bournemouth; two deflected goals conceded to Tottenham; and at the weekend, Leeds played Burnley off the park for a 2-0 loss from two lapses of judgement in defence and a woeful inability to put the ball in the back of the net at the other end.

Leeds have the lowest conversion rate of big chances in the Premier League (17.6%). Farke's system works – now the squad must become more clinical, or the club make the transfers in January that can ensure survival.

Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock, external

Image source, Getty Images

Simon Rix believes Leeds United are struggling to score because there is no "threat" from Jack Harrison and Brenden Aaronson in the front line.

The Kaiser Chiefs bassist told BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast that the pair aren't good enough to fill in for the current injured starters, after the Whites lost 2-0 to Burnley on Saturday.

"It's one of those things where if everyone's fit, those two don't play, but that's the same as any team," Rix said.

"Not the likes of Arsenal because I think they've got amazing reserves but anyone down the bottom, if two or three of their wingers are injured, they're not going to have good wingers to play. And that's where we're at.

"That's me assuming that if Dan James, [Wilfried] Gnonto and [Noah] Okafor are all fit, he's not going to play Aaronson, which he might because he has been doing but let's assume he wouldn't do that.

"If you're an opposition manager and you watch Leeds, you know you can kind of let him have the ball because he's not going to do anything. He does all this other stuff but when we're playing Burnley - either we go and grind out a 0-0 and be really defensive or, if we were playing to win which I think we were, you can't play those two. There's not a massive threat."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Leeds are interested in signing Maccabi Tel Aviv's Malian midfielder Issouf Sissokho, 23, in January. (Africafoot - in French, external), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

The latest episode of BBC Radio Leeds Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast has landed.

Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Simon Rix mull over a difficult Saturday at Turf Moor.

Leeds United missed the opportunity to go seven points clear of fellow newly promoted side Burnley, so where did it all go wrong for Daniel Farke's side?

The trio pick the bones out of what they describe as a "humbling defeat".

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Burnley and Leeds.

Here are some of your comments:

Burnley fans

Gazo: What a win. Sometimes you have to win ugly but once again defensively we showed our resilience. Another flawless display by Martin Dubravka. Superb goals to win the game too.

Shaun: What a performance from Kyle Walker. His reading of the game is immense and the interception and run forward before our second goal was superb.

Winnie: A mixture that showed training had made vast improvements, accompanied by good luck (e.g. Leeds hitting the woodwork) and sheer total brilliance in the two goals. Dubravka and Walker displayed their class. All in all, each player had a good day on the same day -as we know this is not always the case. Now we know Burnley can do it and Scott Parker can help with the team's consistency. That's the key.

Leeds fans

Stephen: Probably the worst performance so far this season. We didn't close down as fast as the opposition, we weren't as clean with our passing and we didn't get back and defend like they did.

Mark: This is NOT good enough. Dominating possession counts for absolutely nothing when the opposition are comfortable, and Burnley were very comfortable. If Farke can't find a way to make that squad more incisive and braver in the final third, then Leeds need to find a manager that can. Quickly.

Ron: In the transfer window, Leeds got two strikers on frees - never was the saying "you get what you pay for" more appropriate. In defence and midfield, they went for players with height and "physical presence", but so far there has been no sign of aerial dominance either at the front or the back. The future looks ominous!