(Credit: Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Fri 24 October 2025 22:10, UK

Daniel Farke would have been left delighted with Leeds performance against West Ham which merited a deserved three points.

Leeds lost 2-0 to Burnley last time out in the Premier League, but early goals from Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon gave the Whites victory.

The three points lifts Leeds up to 13th in the table, and six points above the relegation zone after nine matches.

Below are the three players who impressed and the three players who may lose their place in the starting XI.

Winners

Brenden Aaronson

Aaronson netted his first goal of the season within the opening minutes of the contest, when he reacted well to strike after Noah Okafor’s header was pushed back into the penalty area by Alphonse Areola.

The 25-year-old continued to be a threat, hitting the bar in the second half, but also the American won 80% of his ground duels throughout his 87 minutes on the pitch.

Aaronson has reacted well to not starting the first three matches of the season, and he looks certain to keep his place for the trip to Brighton next.

Jaka Bijol

Bijol joined Leeds from Udinese in the summer, and this was his first start for the club as Pascal Struijk has been preferred in defence.

The Slovenian international couldn’t keep a clean sheet, but he put on a solid display, winning all of his aerial duels and tackles and making the most clearances of any player.

Bijol’s performance gives Farke a decision to make for the trip to Brighton.

Sean Longstaff

Leeds’ victory was optimised by midfielder Sean Longstaff and his tenacious display which overran West Ham.

Longstaff made one big chance but was also involved in eight duels in his typical box-to-box style.

The acquisition of the 27-year-old from Newcastle is proving to be a smart purchase.

Losers

Gabriel Gudmundsson

The left-back was forced off due to injury just before half-time after being one of Leeds’ most impressive performers this season.

Gudmundsson has added defensive steel and an attacking threat down the left flank, and his absence will be a miss for Farke.

The injury does offer James Justin a chance to get a greater frequent run of minutes since his move from Leicester City in the summer.

Noah Okafor

Noah Okafor returned to the starting XI after missing the loss at Burnley due to injury and was another threat down the flank for Leeds.

However, Okafor was substituted at half-time, which must have been another injury set back for the 25-year-old.

With creating chances and scoring goals an issue for Farke, Okafor’s current injury issues will be a concern.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s switch to Leeds from Everton has yet to pay off with the 28-year-old still having only scored one goal for the club.

The striker is suffering from a lack of service, and he did only have 31 touches in the match, but he also didn’t create anything himself.

Calvert-Lewin may be suffering from a lack of confidence, and with a potential injury to Okafor, this is a major concern for Farke.