Patson Daka Shines as Leicester City Beat West Ham United in Van Nistelrooy’s Debut
Patson Daka Shines as Leicester City Beat West Ham United in Van Nistelrooy’s Debut
Leicester City celebrated a commanding 3-1 victory over West Ham United at the King Power Stadium, marking a memorable Premier League managerial debut for new head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy. Goals from Jamie Vardy, Bilal El Khannouss, and substitute Patson Daka secured the crucial win, pushing Leicester four points clear of the relegation zone.
Van Nistelrooy’s tenure started in spectacular fashion, with Vardy opening the scoring just 99 seconds into the match. After initial concerns of offside, VAR confirmed the striker’s position, handing him his fifth goal of the season.
West Ham, under mounting pressure and scrutiny of manager Julen Lopetegui, dominated possession with 31 shots to Leicester’s eight but failed to capitalize on their chances. The Hammers’ frustration deepened when goalkeeper Mads Hermansen’s own goal was controversially disallowed due to minimal contact from Tomas Soucek.
Leicester’s counter-attacking sharpness paid dividends again in the second half. Rising star Bilal El Khannouss doubled the lead with a clinical finish from Kasey McAteer’s assist, showcasing the attacking intent brought in by Van Nistelrooy.
The highlight of the match was reserved for Patson Daka, who replaced Vardy in the 59th minute. Daka delivered a powerful strike in the 90th minute, sealing the Foxes’ victory in style. The Zambian forward’s resurgence has become a key storyline, as he continues to impress under new management.
West Ham’s Niclas Fuellkrug scored a late consolation, marking his maiden Premier League goal, but it was too little, too late for the Hammers.
Key Moments
- 99 seconds: Jamie Vardy scores Leicester’s opener after VAR clears offside concerns.
- 59th minute: Patson Daka substitutes Vardy, later sealing the win.
- 90th minute: Daka’s thunderous strike makes it 3-0 before Fuellkrug pulls one back for West Ham.
The result lifts Leicester to 15th place, creating a four-point buffer from the relegation zone and moving within two points of West Ham United in 14th. For Van Nistelrooy, it’s the ideal start to his reign, while Lopetegui faces increasing pressure after the Hammers’ seventh defeat in 14 games.
