Mighty Leeds Weblog

Sniffles in studs Written by: Rob Conlon I can’t have been the only Leeds fan walking to Elland Road on Friday night with a spring in my step. After wanting to throw everything in the bin following the painfully predictable defeat at Burnley, a big game against West Ham could have invited trepidation. Instead, being notified of Leeds’ starting XI prompted excitement. Bijol, Tanaka, Okafor in. Exactly what we wanted. At least if it went wrong we’d have something different to moan about. Daniel Farke is still forming his third team in as many seasons as Leeds United manager, and Friday night was possibly as close as we’ve got to seeing what it was ‘meant’ to look like. Lucas Perri was joining Jaka Bijol back in the team, completing what we always thought was going to be Leeds’ first-choice defence and goalkeeper for the first time this season. Noah Okafor was restored to the wing to inject the high-calibre swagger this team needs. With Anton Stach struggling with fitness and form i...

By Graham Smyth The YEP’s take and off-camera moments from Leeds United’s 2-1 victory against West Ham United under the Elland Road lights. Leeds United and West Ham United gave neutrals an action-packed first half and then a second half to forget but few at Elland Road cared about anything other than the result. The three points were king for Leeds, who knew that they could put a seven-point gap between themselves and their visitors. It should never have been as nervy as it became in stoppage time, but a win is a win. Here's the YEP take on Friday night’s 2-1 victory against the Irons. Good day Brenden Aaronson Having come in for stick after the Burnley game, some of which was merited, he responded with a goal and a big performance. Had his second half shot gone in instead of hitting the bar it would have been a goal of the season contender. What stood out was his ball carrying and how difficult he made it for West Ham players to get near him in that period of the seco...

By Graham Smyth The Verdict on Friday night’s 2-1 huge win against Premier League visitors West Ham is in. Leeds United will not celebrate an uglier win all season but they might not have a more important one. There was some debate beforehand as to whether or not Friday night's Elland Road meeting with West Ham United was a must-win game. But if you cannot beat West Ham at home, then who can you beat? Having lost to Burnley, if the points aren't coming against the Hammers then where are they coming from? It's not quite as simple as that, not when you've had what Daniel Farke described as a hellish week of illness and injury as your preparation. This season is all about doing enough. Doing just enough. Staying up, by the smallest of margins if that's all they can muster. Staying up, by whatever means necessary. What Leeds produced on the night was enough to beat West Ham 2-1, so it was good enough. Just park that thought for now. Getting off to a go...

By Kyle Newbould The YEP looks at a handful of key talking points from Leeds United's 2-1 win over West Ham. Leeds United got another vital three points on the board after beating West Ham 2-1 on Friday night. Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon were both on the scoresheet for Daniel Farke’s side, who came flying out the blocks to exploit their struggling visitors’ weaknesses. Mateus Fernandes pulled one back for West Ham late on but after defending well for much of the second half, Leeds were able to see out the game and take all three points. And the YEP has taken a look at some of the evening’s key talking points below. Daniel Farke rings the changes After insisting he would not make changes to his team ‘for the sake of it’ last week, Farke clearly decided there was justification for a switch up with four new names on the teamsheet. A change in each of goalkeeper, defence, midfield and attack was - by design or coincidence - enough to freshen things up without a Sheffield W...

Get it in the mixer October 24, 2025 Written by: Jonathan Peel The professional footballer’s ability and, crucially, willingness to head a football is one of the major things that separates them from us hobbyists. Have you tried heading a football lately? It really bloody hurts. I’d happily stand on the edge of the eighteen-yard box and kick footballs towards a goal, but standing in the middle and heading crosses? Not for me, thanks. It’s for this reason that Dominic Calvert-Lewin makes me feel things that I don’t think I’ve felt since Luciano Becchio was last gracing the turf of Elland Road. They’re not a like-for-like comparison. Calvert-Lewin’s feet contain the ability to trap the ball before it rolls ten feet away from him, for example, while Becchio frequently displayed the ability to kick the ball into the back of the net with his feet — a skill that Dom doesn’t seem to have quite mastered the art of yet. But the feeling that I haven’t felt since sweet Luciano is that...

Leeds 2-1 West Ham: The star who has repaid Daniel Farke's faith, the main issue Nuno Espirito Santo MUST solve and the Hammers man who can make a key difference By AADAM PATEL, SPORTS REPORTER Leeds held onto a crucial win against West Ham to move up to 13th in the table and end a run of three games without a win. Goals from Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon in the first 15 minutes gave Daniel Farke's side the advantage and though Mateus Fernandes pulled one back in the dying stages for the Hammers, it was too little too late. Nuno Espirito Santo is still winless since taking over from Graham Potter and his side are 19th. This is now West Ham's worst start to a season since 1973-74. Daily Mail Sport's AADAM PATEL was at Elland Road to run the rule over Leeds and the Hammers. Fortress Elland Road The next time that these two sides are scheduled to meet is the last game of the season. It's still early doors but judging by the sheer feebleness of this West ...

First-half goals from Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon downed the Hammers. Mark Walker The Adam Clery Football Column Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon scored early goals as Leeds beat West Ham 2-1 at Elland Road to heap more misery on the Londoners. Aaronson pounced on a rebound before Rodon headed Leeds 2-0 up inside 15 minutes and they held on for their third Premier League win of the season after Hammers substitute Mateus Fernandes’ last-minute header cut the deficit. West Ham have made their worst start to a top-flight season, with four points from their first nine matches, and after their winless league run was extended to six games they remain in the bottom three. Hammers head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, who replaced the sacked Graham Potter in September, has not won any of his four games in charge, while Leeds climbed up to 13th in the table ahead of this weekend’s fixtures. Leeds, whose 23-game unbeaten home league run was halted by Tottenham in their previous match at...

By Stuart Rayner Leeds United were the better team against West Ham United, but still Elland Road breathed a sigh of relief when Stuart Attwell blew the final whistle on a 2-1 win. In pouring rain they made heavier weather than they might have done of seeing off poor opposition but no matter – they did. With just a quarter of an hour gone, the home fans would have been looking forward to a stress-free Friday against sub-standard opponents. When Mateus Fernandes' header left them clinging to a one-goal lead in stoppage time, it was anything but. But after a season where they have had their share of good performances go unrewarded, it was just about getting the job done. This was not the undeserved win Leeds probably feel they are owed after previous results, it was just hard work. What else did you expect in the Premier League? And it was doubly encouraging. Not only did it push the Whites above the point-per-game a match - 11 from 9 - but it also made the Hammers once m...

By Lee Sobot Leeds United took on West Ham United in a huge Friday night Premier League clash under the Elland Road lights. Leeds United bounced back from back-to-back defeats to kick clear of the Premier League dropzone with a very important 2-1 win against Friday night’s visitors West Ham. Leeds got off to a flying start by going ahead with just three minutes on the clock through Brenden Aaronson on a night when the American attacker excelled. Ethan Ampadu surged forwards and Leeds worked the ball to Jayden Bogle whose lovely cross from the right picked out Noah Okafor who planted a firm header at goal. Hammers keeper Alphonse Areola saved but the Frenchman could only push the ball back into the area and Aaronson reacted quickest to convert from close range. West Ham already looked in disarray at the back but the Irons were still threatening at the other end and keeper Lucas Perri made a big double save to keep out a Jarrod Bowen overhead kick and then thwart Lucas Paquet...

Farke says he can 'handle the pressure' of being Leeds United manager Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter Daniel Farke insists he is unfazed by constant talk about his future at Leeds United, stating that such sack chatter comes with the territory of being Whites boss. There has been no inkling that the 49ers are considering the German’s position, but some supporters hold worry over his ability to keep United in the Premier League with just one point earned over the last three games. The owners are meeting today ahead of this evening's game and will discuss the start to the season under Farke, but there is no suggestion the outlook is anything but positive for the manager. Critics, however, are often seen airing their thoughts on social media and on call-in shows after defeats or poor performances. Farke says he remains unmoved by this, having faced sack calls several times during his tenure. “How can you be a Leeds United manager if you’re not calm and relaxed?” ...

Leeds United are seeking assurances from Leeds City Council over their proposals to expand Elland Road. By Isaac Johnson Leeds United are seeking reassurances from Leeds City Council (LCC) regarding their plans to expand Elland Road following worries about a potential delay caused by transport planning complications. According to council documents, there are fears that substantial hold-ups in approval could delay the start of construction beyond "another full football season", thereby exceeding the original projected start date set for May 2026. It remains unclear whether this relates to the conclusion of the current 2025/26 Premier League campaign - which concludes on May 24 - or the finale of the 2026/27 season. Leeds United officially lodged their hybrid planning application in July. Currently, the council's decision on whether to approve or decline the application is scheduled for November 27, marking 20 weeks since submission - exceeding the anticipated timefra...

By AADAM PATEL, SPORTS REPORTER Leeds United have sensationally withdrawn their invitation to former owner Andrea Radrizzani for the game against West Ham on Friday. Radrizzani, 51, was initially invited by 49ers Enterprises, who took full ownership of the club in 2023 after purchasing Radrizzani's 56 per cent stake for £170million. It was set to be the Italian's first visit back to Elland Road since selling the club after they were relegated back to the Championship. But Daily Mail Sport understands that the Leeds hierarchy were not pleased with Radrizzani's decision to reveal details of his return in an exclusive interview with this outlet earlier this month. The invitation for Radrizzani to be in the Director's Box was made by Paraag Marathe, the Leeds chairman. But it was officially withdrawn shortly after the interview went public - with Radrizzani informed that it was unnecessary for him to disclose details of his return and that it would be better for...

Leeds United team news and injury update ahead of West Ham clash James Smailes Leeds United are sweating on the fitness of a host of key players ahead of a crunch game against West Ham United. Leeds host the Hammers at Elland Road on Friday night as they go in search of a first win in four attempts after successive defeats and a draw in their last three outings. West Ham are also in need of a win to lift their position in the standings and morale after another loss on Monday night at home to Brentford. Both sides have their injury worries ahead of the game, with Leeds' complicated further by an illness that has hit a couple of members of the camp. Missing key men in attack, the availability of Noah Okafor and Willy Gnonto still remains in doubt after a number of weeks, while captain Ethan Ampadu and defender Pascal Struijk missed training today due to sickness. Ampadu and Struijk can play if they recover in time, but there are bigger questions in the attacking positions...

By Kyle Newbould The teenage Leeds United striker signed his first professional contract this week. Leeds United youngster Harry Gray is keen to build on the momentum of his first professional contract with Premier League minutes and goals. Gray put pen to paper on a long-term deal yesterday after turning 17 earlier this month, the point at which academy prospects can sign professional terms. There had been some speculation over the promising teenager’s future after a change of Instagram profile picture, but the YEP reported shortly after that people inside the club considered a new contract a matter of when and not if. Daniel Farke hinted a new deal was on the way earlier this month and Leeds confirmed the news on Tuesday evening, opting against disclosing the exact length of their young striker’s deal. Gray made his first-team debut off the bench against Stoke City last season at 6-0 up and was heavily involved with the senior group over summer. First-team involvement this ...

Highly rated striker signs long-term deal. Leeds United are delighted to announce Harry Gray has put pen to paper on a first professional contract with the club. The highly rated striker has signed a long-term deal with the Whites to keep him at Elland Road. Gray made his senior debut for his boyhood club on the day promotion back to the Premier League was sealed during the last campaign, featuring from the bench in the 6-0 victory over Stoke City aged just 16. Having impressed in pre-season over the summer, the forward began the campaign in scintillating form for the Under-21s, scoring four goals in his first three Premier League 2 matches and netting a hat-trick in the 3-1 victory over Scunthorpe United. This season at senior level, Gray has appeared on the bench in the Premier League and League Cup and continues to gain experience in and around the first team squad. The 17-year-old has also received international recognition, having been called up to the England Under-18s....

Any ideas? Written by: Rob Conlon Even the best seasons have days when you want to throw everything in the bin. Nothing works, Leeds United miss chances they should put away and the defence concedes sloppy goals that cost us points. In 2024/25, Daniel Farke’s Leeds won more games and more points than any other campaign in the club’s history, scoring more goals than they have in a single season for almost a century. But there was still Portsmouth, and Swansea and, yes, Burnley. Everyone knew we should expect more of those days in the Premier League, yet Leeds’ defeat at Turf Moor stung that bit more because it felt so self-inflicted and oh so predictable. Once again, we learned nothing new. Instead, we were only reminded that the concerns that have crept from the summer into the opening eight games of the campaign are, on this evidence, very much legitimate. I could quite happily never hear the phrase ‘difference maker’ again after a transfer window in which it became embedded i...

By Stuart Rayner The numbers looked good for Leeds United at Turf Moor. Try telling supporters who watched them pass up the opportunity of adding to the number which matters most – their Premier League points tally. Eight from eight games is about where it should be for the Whites to stay in the top division. Depressingly, in 2025, that is about the best Leeds and Burnley can hope for even after 100-point promotions. So when teams like that play each other, it is important to cash in. Burnley's Premier League victories this season have come at home to Sunderland, and now Leeds, 2-0. More and more these days, matches are boiled down to statistics. They can be a guide, but they are not gospel. Numbers can be manipulated. Your own eyes will always tell you more. The eyes in the away end reached different conclusions on Saturday. Some applauded Leeds at full-time, others vented frustration. Some were already sat in traffic. Manager Daniel Farke pointed to the numbers. S...

By Graham Smyth The YEP’s take and off-camera moments from Leeds United’s 2-0 defeat at Burnley. Leeds United squandered a golden opportunity to put daylight between themselves and a fellow Premier League new boy, thanks to a dismal performance against Burnley. Errors in the build-up to both Clarets' goals and an inability to make the hosts work for the win at Turf Moor provoked full-time anger in the away end. Leeds were offensively weak in the first half and failed to take the chances they did create as they lost 2-0. Here's the YEP take. Good day Gabriel Gudmundsson On a day when very few Leeds United players did anything useful with the football, the full-back got at his man repeatedly and put crosses in the box. He wasn't perfect by any stretch but he was miles ahead of anyone else. Bad day Anton Stach The German has not yet hit his stride in the Premier League but this was a difficult watch. He let his man go completely free for the opening goal and ...

By Kyle Newbould The YEP reflects on key takeaways from Leeds United’s disappointing defeat at Turf Moor. Leeds United returned from the international break with a painful bump following their 2-0 defeat at Burnley on Saturday. Goals either side of half-time from Lesley Ugochukwu and substitute Loum Tchaouna condemned Daniel Farke’s side to a fourth league loss of the campaign on what proved a miserable afternoon for those travelling. Leeds dominated possession but rarely tested their hosts, with concerns over attacking quality once again raised amid injuries to Noah Okafor and Willy Gnonto. Defeat leaves the Whites slipping towards the relegation battle they expected to be in and as the dust settles, the YEP looks at a few key takeaways from Turf Moor. Daniel Farke’s big selection call backfires The big pre-match debate was focused on centre-back, specifically if Jaka Bijol should replace Pascal Struijk who while far from terrible, could have done better with recent goals co...

By Graham Smyth The verdict from Leeds United’s 2-0 defeat at Burnley from YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth. Leeds United were guilty of the two things they cannot afford if they wish to remain a Premier League club and everyone including Daniel Farke must take responsibility. Being competitive was objective number one as Leeds built this squad and presented it to Farke in the summer. That's exactly what they've been in all of their games barring the Arsenal rout. That's what they were at Burnley too, though there cannot be much credit for giving a game to your direct relegation rivals and the team you pipped on goal difference last season. Staying in games is the foundation of survival but to build a successful case for 17th place or better you have to add goals on top. And you have to avoid silly mistakes and cheap concessions. The story of the season so far has been a team giving themselves a chance but struggling to reward their commendable efforts. But be...