Pundits hails Whites for reaction to 'huge problems'
BBC's Match of the Day 2 pundits Danny Murphy and Ian Wright hailed Leeds United for their response to the 'huge problems' they have due to an unprecedented injury crisis, which Leeds overcame to beat West Ham 3-2 at the London Stadium.
David Moyes had bemoaned the fact that his side had played mid-week, whilst Leeds had not but Murphy said:
"I understand it, they’ve played a lot of games, including in Europe.
"They came up against a Leeds side that’s had their own problems. They haven’t got Bamford, they haven’t got Phillips, they haven’t got their captain, Cooper. They have had huge problems.
"It was about Leeds today and their reaction to losing in the cup. They lost Forshaw and Firpo in the first half and they had to adapt. They brought two teenagers on who were tremendous by the way."
Speaking of the teenagers - Lewis Bate and Leo Hjelde both made their Premier League debuts from the bench - Ian Wright highlighted Bate in his comments.
‘[He] got brought off again and he looked disappointed but he was brilliant. He did fantastic in the time he was on, Lewis Bate today,’ said the former Arsenal striker.
Five talking points from the London Stadium
There was much to highlight in what was arguably Leeds' best victory of the season thus far. Beren Cross has picked out five points for discussion, one of those being the performance of Robin Koch in defensive midfield. The German put on an imperious performance and looked the part covering for Kalvin Phillips.
When the team sheet came out, the expectation was that Koch would be at centre back, with Stuart Dallas in central midfield and Adam Forshaw as defensive midfield but this suggests growing confidence in Koch playing the deepest midfield role.
Player ratings
After such a key win and a brilliant performance, Leeds' player ratings make pleasant reading.
Jack Harrison top scored with nine after his hat-trick, whilst Raphinha was given an eight for a performance where he tortured West Ham's defence. Pascal Stuijk was also given an eight after shackling Michail Antonio on his return from injury.
