Michail Antonio’s 89th minute goal completed a thrilling West Ham comeback as they beat Leeds 2-1 at Elland Road.

It was a lively start to the game as both sides looked to get on the ball and run at the opposition defence.

Illan Meslier made two smart saves early on for Leeds, denying Michail Antonio and Said Benrahma, before opposite number Lukasz Fabianski superbly tipped over a fierce Stuart Dallas drive.

The opening goal went the way of the hosts not long after, courtesy of a shocking mistake from Tomas Soucek. The Czech midfielder appeared to stumble before under-hitting his pass to Angelo Ogbonna, allowing Rodrigo to race onto the ball and break at pace.

He squared smartly to Mateusz Klich, and his lay-off was clinically drilled into the bottom corner by the lively Raphinha.

Despite the Brazilian posing a threat throughout, West Ham were never out of the game and got themselves back on level terms in the second half – though they will wonder how Pablo Fornals didn’t slot past Meslier just before the break.

MASSIVE WIN!! ✊

IRRRRROOOOONNNNSSS!! ⚒#LEEWHU pic.twitter.com/WV9Mz9eCKi

— West Ham United (@WestHam) September 25, 2021

The goal they scored was incredibly luckily; Jarrod Bowen’s effort after cutting in from the right flank taking two deflections, the last off Junior Firpo. Meslier was given no chance, although the Frenchman was in great form throughout the game.

The Hammers weren’t content with a point though, and after a superb pass from Declan Rice, Antonio superbly skipped through the Leeds defence to slide past Meslier – rich rewards for what was a fine second half performance from West Ham.

Here’s how both sets of players rated…

---

Illan Meslier (GK) – 8/10 – A colossal presence in goal. Made superb early saves from Benrahma and Antonio before foiling Fornals on the stroke of half-time. Didn’t deserve to lose.

Jamie Shackleton (RB) – 6/10 – Troubled by the direct running of Benrahma, who was often allowed to cut inside far too easily.

Charlie Cresswell (CB) -7/10 – Did well on his Premier League debut. Won’t face many tougher tests than an in-form Antonio but didn’t look phased at all.

Liam Cooper (CB) – 7/10 – Talked his young centre-back partner through the game, absorbing heavy pressure at times. Never afraid to get stuck in against Antonio.

Junior Firpo (LB) – 6/10 – Like Shackleton, it was a difficult afternoon for Firpo against a lively Jarrod Bowen. Did a good job overall.

Kalvin Phillips (DM) – 6/10 – Full of running, as always, but his screening job in front of the back four was made difficult by a rampant Hammers attack.

Stuart Dallas (CM) – 6/10 – All over the place as always but often out of possession and chasing shadows. Transitioned well from defence into attack.

Mateusz Klich (CM) – 6/10 – The furthest forward of Leeds‘ three central midfielders and bagged the assist for Raphinha’s goal with a decent lay-off. A little quiet otherwise.

Raphinha (RW) – 8/10 – Always a threat cutting in from the right. Fired home superbly into the bottom corner, demonstrating great composure, and regularly tracked back to help out Shackleton. Taken off and saw Leeds lose the game.

Rodrigo (ST) – 6/10 – Profited from Soucek’s error to race forward and set up Leeds‘ goal. Needed to be involved more.

Daniel James (LW) – 6/10 – Was involved on the counter but still has work to do with his end product. Taken off after 45 minutes.

Jack Harrison – 6/10 – Came on at half-time but West Ham gained superiority in the second half. Couldn’t influence a positive outcome, not for the want of trying.

Tyler Roberts – 5/10

Crysencio Summerville – N/A

Lukasz Fabianski (GK) – 7/10 – Made a great save from Dallas in the early stages but could do nothing to stop Raphinha’s low drive. Tidy handling throughout.

Vladimir Coufal (RB) – 7/10 – Wouldn’t know that he played 75 minutes in midweek – has clearly gone to the Jarrod Bowen school of stamina. Calm as ever and set West Ham off for the winner.

Kurt Zouma (CB) – 6/10 – Not as dominating as he was against Manchester United but a good showing nonetheless. Does need to work on retaining the ball better.

Angelo Ogbonna (CB) – 5/10 – Didn’t do anything badly wrong, but knows he’s got to stand out with Issa Diop and Craig Dawson breathing down his neck for a starting place. Too many concessions in possession.

Aaron Cresswell (LB) – 5/10 – Struggled to deal with the constant threat of Raphinha, and was often caught up field which allowed Leeds to break at speed.

Declan Rice (DM) – 7/10 – There was a lot chat pre-game around the ‚Rice vs Phillips‘ battle. Although not directly up against each other, West Ham’s skipper possibly came out on top, evidenced by a wonderful late assist.

Tomas Soucek (CM) – 5/10 – Misplaced passes against United last Sunday but that was nothing compared to the glaring error he made for Leeds‘ goal. Did have a goal ruled out, rightly.

Pablo Fornals (CM) – 6/10 – Can never question Fornals‘ attitude but he had to score when put through clean on goal. Unfortunately, took one too many touches, but was otherwise bright.

Jarrod Bowen (RW) – 7/10 – Where does Bowen get his energy? Another all-action display and his persistence led to West Ham’s rather fortuitous equaliser.

Michail Antonio (ST) – 8/10 – Was more than up for a scrap after a week on the sidelines and he got one with Cresswell and Cooper. Won out in the end, showing superb skill and composure to bag the late winner.

Said Benrahma (LW) – 8/10 – West Ham’s most inventive player and the one who looked capable of turning the tide. Will become a real fan favourite if he continues to get on the ball and

Brilliant again! ?@Scope_Markets | #LEEWHU 1-2 (92) pic.twitter.com/kiQx9jyK1j

— West Ham United (@WestHam) September 25, 2021

Nikola Vlasic – N/A

Craig Dawson – N/A

Andriy Yarmolenko – N/A