Leicester City secured a much-needed 3-1 victory over West Ham United at the King Power Stadium, giving Ruud van Nistelrooy a dream start as Leicester boss. The result ended a six-game winless streak for the Foxes and moved them four points clear of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, the pressure intensified on West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui, as chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” echoed from the away fans during the match. Pundit Tim Sherwood remarked, “I think this is the beginning of the end for Lopetegui. You cannot capitulate like this.”
Leicester’s resurgence was immediate, with Jamie Vardy opening the scoring just two minutes into the game. Initially ruled offside, the veteran striker’s goal was allowed after a lengthy four-minute VAR review. The decision sparked celebrations from the home crowd, with Tim Sherwood commenting on Sky Sports’ Soccer Special: “This is tight! The defender’s back foot may just have played him on. Goal! Four minutes later, they can celebrate.”
West Ham responded strongly, with Danny Ings coming close to equalizing. His deflected header struck the woodwork, symbolizing the Hammers’ misfortune. Despite sustained pressure from the visitors, Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen delivered a stellar first-half performance, making five crucial saves to maintain the Foxes’ slim lead going into the break.
Against the run of play, Leicester doubled their advantage in the second half through Bilal El Khannouss, whose composed finish gave the hosts breathing space. West Ham’s efforts to mount a comeback faltered, and late substitutions by Van Nistelrooy proved decisive. Patson Daka and Niclas Füllkrug came off the bench to add further gloss to the scoreline, with Füllkrug’s clinical strike sealing the victory.
Though Leicester celebrated a crucial win, the defeat deepened West Ham’s woes, leaving Lopetegui’s future hanging by a thread. With the Hammers languishing near the bottom of the table, the calls for managerial change are growing louder. For Leicester, however, the victory marked a promising start to Van Nistelrooy’s tenure and a potential turning point in their season.
