Leeds 1-2 West Ham: Player Ratings

Michail Antonio’s late winner delivered a gut punch to Marcelo Bielsa’s side, who looked like they had rediscovered their spark in an excellent first half performance.

By Josh Ramsbottom@theleedsknees Sep 25, 2021, 5:27pm BST

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Leeds United v West Ham United - Premier League — Raphinha wheels away after putting Leeds ahead.

Leeds United are still looking for their first win of the Premier League season after Michail Antonio’s late winner for West Ham United delivered a gut punch to Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

An excellent first half performance was topped off by a goal from Raphinha, while Illan Meslier was integral in keeping the Whites in the game.

Despite looking more like the team that took the Premier League by storm in the opening 45 minutes, Leeds came out of the interval lacking the same level of control, and their grasp on the game fizzled particularly after Raphinha was taken off after 70 minutes.

West Ham equalised via a Junior Firpo own goal, and a late defensive collapse allowed Antonio to twist the knife after he spearheaded a deadly counter-attack.

The result sees Leeds drop into the relegation zone following Newcastle United’s 1-1 draw at Watford. Here are the player ratings:

Illan Meslier - 8.5

Leeds United v West Ham United - Premier League - Elland Road — Meslier makes an excellent save at full stretch to tip wide an effort from Said Benrahma.

Absolutely huge performance from the 21-year-old to keep Leeds in the game. Denied Michail Antonio at close range after six minutes, then pulled off a terrific save at full-stretch to tip Said Benrahma’s effort from outside the box wide of the post. Bravely blocked an effort when Pablo Fornals was through on goal in the dying moments of the first half.

Conceded when Tomas Soucek tapped in from close range but the goal was ruled out for a foul on Meslier by Antonio. Later denied a Soucek header from a West Ham corner. Not much he could do to deny Junior Firpo’s own goal. Beaten in the 1v1 against Antonio but was left out to dry by his defence.

Junior Firpo - 6

Newcastle United v Leeds United - Premier League — Firpo during the 1-1 draw with Newcastle United.

Generally played well at both ends but was at fault for his own goal after being caught well out of position as West Ham hit Leeds on the break.

Liam Cooper - 7

FBL-ENG-PR-NEWCASTLE-LEEDS — Cooper in action during the 1-1 draw at Newcastle United.

Was solid for most of the match, pitching in with a number of blocks as Leeds held West Ham at bay. Competed fairly well in the air and can’t be solely blamed for the defensive collapse late on.

Charlie Cresswell - 8

Cresswell looked like a veteran while making his Premier League debut for the Whites. His confidence became clear when he turned his man in a dangerous position early on in the game. Knocked the ball around nicely and put his body on the line when required. Has the makings of a solid centre-back for Leeds.

Jamie Shackleton (off 90+2’) - 7.5

Did really well to fill in the void left by Luke Ayling down the right flank. Contributed a lot going forward and provided width for the Whites. In the dying moments, however, he was well beaten by Antonio who took the 21-year-old out of the game with a deft touch before he scored the winner.

Kalvin Phillips - 7.5

Solid performance from the England international, particularly in the first half. Didn’t see so many of his searching long balls but was strong in the tackle. Was drawn into more fouls during the second half and fired a last minute effort well wide.

Daniel James (off 46’) - 6

Fulham v Leeds United - Carabao Cup Third Round — James celebrates scoring during the penalty shootout against Fulham earlier in the week.

The quietest of Leeds attackers in the first half. Showcased his blistering pace and pressed well but struggled to beat his man in wide areas. Replaced by Jack Harrison at half-time.

Mateusz Klich - 7.5

Assisted Raphinha’s opener and linked up play effectively in the final third. Had a golden chance after the hour mark when Raphinha picked him out in the area but his eventual effort was brushed wide by Vladimir Coufal. Faded as the match went on after an excellent first half.

Stuart Dallas - 7

FBL-ENG-PR-LEEDS-WEST HAM — Stuart Dallas holds off Tomas Soucek as he advances with the ball.

Formed a solid midfield trio with Klich and Phillips, but similarly to the former in particular, his impact lessened as the second half went on. Promising first half display but more is needed from him to match last season’s consistency.

Raphinha (off 69’) - 9 (MOTM)

A sublime display from the Brazilian, complete with good passes, brilliant skills, non-stop pressing and dangerous shots on goal from distance. He took his goal on 19 minutes very well, placing his first-time effort into the bottom corner. Later in the first half he struck the post from a similar distance after Rodrigo had a shot blocked.

Continued to play well in the second half and proved to be a major threat on the break. Was unlucky not to register an assist when he picked out Klich at the end of a clever run, only for the Poland international’s shot to be deflected wide. Replaced by Tyler Roberts before the 70-minute mark, presumably to avoid aggregating a pre-existing knock. West Ham took control of the game after his departure.

Rodrigo Moreno - 8

A solid display from Patrick Bamford’s stand-in. Despite leading the line he dropped back a lot to help link up play, allowing Raphinha to take the limelight further forward. Looked more comfortable in this role than he tends to in midfield.

Let off early in the second half when he poorly headed on an Aaron Cresswell cross from a free-kick further into the area, but the resulting goal was ruled out. Otherwise held up the ball relatively well and had a handful of shots on goal, but never truly tested Lucasz Fabianski in goal. Suffered from a lack of service throughout a lot of the second half.

Jack Harrison (on 46’) - 6

Burnley v Leeds United - Premier League — Harrison in action against Burnley earlier in the season.

A slight improvement on Dan James for the second half, as he was more capable of beating his man, but was caught sleeping when dispossessed by West Ham in the build-up to their equaliser.

Tyler Roberts (on 69’) - 6

Fulham v Leeds United - Carabao Cup — Roberts in possession at Craven Cottage.

Understandably struggled to replicate the impact Raphinha was previously having on the game. Did make a good run down the right before picking out Rodrigo in the area, leading to a shot on target. Didn’t do much wrong but the boots he was left to fill were simply too big.

Crysencio Summerville (on 90+2’) - N/A

Was a late sub after Leeds went behind. Came on too late to make an impact, but promising to see him make another first team appearance.