West Ham 2-0 Leicester: Hammers outfox Leicester in easy win to further pile pressure on Ruud van Nistelrooy

Read Time:1 Minute, 57 Second

West Ham United continued their resurgence under new manager Graham Potter, cruising to a 2-0 victory over Leicester City at the London Stadium in game week 27 final fixture on Thursday night. The Hammers took the lead in the 21st minute through Tomas Soucek, who converted the rebound from close range after Mads Hermansen had blocked Mohammed Kudus’ initial effort. The goal came courtesy of West Ham’s persistent intensity and intent in the first half, particularly down the right wing, where Aaron Wan-Bissaka frequently tested Leicester left-back Victor Kristiansen.

A Bowen-driven attack from the right forced a poor Leicester clearance, which was picked up by Aaron Cresswell and whipped in to Kudus, whose saved shot was pounced on by Soucek to score and a very special moment it was for the midfielder, who was celebrating his 30th birthday.

The hosts doubled their advantage just before halftime, as Leicester failed to clear a corner properly, allowing Jarrod Bowen’s shot to deflect in off Jannik Vestergaard for an own goal. Despite Bowen’s celebrations, the goal was ultimately credited as an own goal. The Hammers’ second goal capped off an impressive first-half display, with West Ham playing with a level of intensity and purpose that has been lacking in recent weeks.

Despite a more spirited performance in the second half, Leicester were unable to find a breakthrough, and West Ham coasted to a comfortable three points. The Foxes had a bit more bite in the second half, but they never seriously looked like scoring. Leicester’s struggles in front of goal have been a major concern in recent weeks, and their failure to find the net against West Ham makes it their fourth consecutive league match without a goal.

For West Ham, it is a second consecutive win under Potter, following their surprise 1-0 triumph at Arsenal last weekend. The Hammers have now leapfrogged Everton into 15th place on the Premier League table, while Leicester remain firmly in the relegation zone, five points adrift of safety. Leicester’s defensive frailties were further exposed once again, as both West Ham goals resulted from failed clearances. The Foxes have now lost 11 of their last 12 league matches, with just two wins in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s 14 league games in charge, as they once again look all set for the drop.