EPL: Lingard scores again as West Ham hammer Leeds

Jesse Lingard registered on the scoresheet once again as West Ham overcame Leeds in an action-packed contest at the London Stadium to climb up to fifth in the Premier League.

Leeds made a blistering start to proceedings and had the ball in the back of the net twice inside the first 15 minutes, but Tyler Roberts and Patrick Bamford saw their efforts correctly chalked off.

JLingz. Never in doubt 😅😅 pic.twitter.com/mismm4msmH

— West Ham United (@WestHam) March 8, 2021

West Ham quickly grew into the contest though and by the half-hour mark were two goals to the good. Having been upended inside the penalty area by Luke Ayling, Lingard had his spot-kick saved by Illan Meslier but he reacted quickly to slot home from the rebound. Craig Dawson doubled their advantage eight minutes later with a simple headed finish from Aaron Cresswell’s excellent corner delivery as Leeds’ defence was found wanting.

Lukasz Fabianski made a fine save to deny Raphinha as Leeds made a bright start to the second-half, but West Ham continued to carry a threat at the opposite end, with Pablo Fornals hitting the crossbar with a beautiful effort from distance.

Two goals ✅
Three points ✅

West Ham United march on ✊#WHULEE

— West Ham United (@WestHam) March 8, 2021

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Leeds threw players forward in desperate search of a goal but their best opportunities fell to the wasteful Bamford, who had a night to forget in front of goal, while Dawson was equally effective at the back to clear Rodrigo’s point-blank range off the line.

The result means David Moyes’ charges remain two points behind Chelsea in fourth after the Blues beat Everton earlier in the evening, while Leeds stay 11th.