In a thrilling midweek clash, Leicester City emerged victorious against West Ham United, thanks to a stellar display from veteran striker Jamie Vardy, 20-year-old Bilal El Khannouss, and substitute Patson Daka. While Leicester took full advantage of their chances, West Ham squandered several prime opportunities, managing only a late consolation goal from Niclas Fuellkrug.
Following a disappointing start to the season, Leicester appointed Ruud van Nistelrooy on Friday, and although he had little time to implement his strategies, his presence seemed to energize the squad by bringing much-needed luck their way.
The victory lifted Leicester to 15th in the league, moving them a point clear of the relegation zone. West Ham sits just above them in the standings, feeling the pressure as they search for form.
Vardy opened the scoring in dramatic fashion, beating the offside trap within just 98 seconds. After a tense VAR check, it was confirmed that his timing was impeccable. Leicester doubled their lead in the 60th minute when El Khannouss skillfully converted a superb pass from Kasey McAteer, following a long ball from Facundo Buonanotte that stretched the West Ham defence thin.
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West Ham nearly found the net in the 81st minute, but Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s effort was ruled out for offside after another VAR review. Daka sealed the game with a powerful left-footed strike in the 90th minute, ensuring Leicester finished the matchup on a high note.
Despite their dominant performance, the Hammers struggled to capitalize on clear chances. Danny Ings made his first start of the season but saw his early header deflect onto the post off Leicester’s James Justin. In a frantic moment during the 69th minute, Leicester’s Conor Coady made a crucial clearance with his toes just as the ball threatened to cross the line from a Crysencio Summerville effort.
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A pivotal moment for Leicester came in the 58th minute when goalkeeper Mads Hermansen missed a punch, allowing the ball to roll dangerously close to the back of the net, only for the referee to call a foul on Tomas Soucek.
West Ham finally found the back of the net in added time with Fuellkrug’s header—his first match back from injury—providing a glimmer of hope for desperate supporters.
-Palace Edges Past Ipswich
In the day’s other Premier League match, Crystal Palace secured a narrow 1-0 victory away at Ipswich Town, with Jean-Philippe Mateta capitalizing on a defensive slip to net the decisive goal just before the hour-mark.
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The Frenchman seized the moment in the 59th minute, as Ipswich’s Jacob Greaves lost his balance. Mateta deftly lobbed the ball over the keeper Arijanet Muric, giving Palace a much-needed three points.
This victory marked Palace’s first away win of the season, placing them 16th in the table with 12 points, while Ipswich remains nestled in the relegation zone with just nine points.
“I’m very pleased with the result. It was not just about performing brilliantly; we expected a tough battle, and that’s exactly what we got,” said Palace manager Oliver Glasner after the match. “I told the players to be ready for a big fight, and it truly tested our mettle, particularly towards the end. Our defensive work was commendable, limiting them to just one chance from open play this evening.”
The first half offered little in terms of excitement, but Palace gradually took control, with Eberechi Eze nearly giving them the advantage just before the break, firing a shot that struck Muric’s legs.
Ipswich created a few chances, including a header from Jack Clarke that was expertly saved by Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Following Mateta’s goal, Ipswich pressed hard for an equalizer and came within inches of scoring when Greaves’s header struck the post, with no teammate available to capitalize on the rebound.
“We can certainly perform better than we did today. I didn’t think our display met our usual standards at home,” lamented Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna. “We started the second half brightly, looking like we could spark into life, but the poor goal we conceded ultimately decided the match.”
