Van Nistelrooy’s Leicester Debut Delivers a Vital Victory

West Ham, under the under-pressure Julen Lopetegui, showed resilience despite Leicester’s early dominance. Danny Ings saw his header deflected onto the post, while Foxes keeper Mads Hermansen made crucial saves to deny Jarrod Bowen and Mohamed Kudus. However, controversy struck when a potential equaliser was ruled out for a foul on Hermansen – a turning point that swung the match in Leicester’s favour.

Moments later, Leicester doubled their lead. A swift counter-attack saw Kasey McAteer deliver a pinpoint pass to El Khannous, who coolly finished for his maiden Premier League goal. The Foxes then sealed the victory in the dying moments when Patson Daka smashed the ball into the roof of the net. A late consolation from Niclas Füllkrug offered scant solace for West Ham, who now hover dangerously close to the relegation zone.

For Leicester, the victory ends a seven-game winless streak and brings them within two points of their opponents, signaling a potential turning point in their campaign. As for West Ham, Lopetegui’s position looks increasingly precarious, with the Irons managing just one win in their last five matches.