Leicester got off to the best possible start under new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy on Tuesday, as they hammered Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham 3-1 at King Power Stadium.
One new manager anointed, another beleaguered.
WATCH — Leicester v West Ham
The victory send Leicester (13 points) up to 15th in the Premier League table, suddenly four points clear of the relegation zone after snapping a three-game losing skid which saw them outscored 9-2 either side of Steve Cooper’s firing on Nov. 24. To say that Van Nistelrooy’s debut was badly needed for the sake of morale, would be an understatement.
Van Nistelrooy on high, Lopetegui on watch
Basically, West Ham (14th - 15 points) are right where Leicester were two weeks ago, barely a dozen games into the new manager’s tenure and wondering if it’s still too early to make a change. The results have been tolerable, but the performances not so much — 13th in expected goals (1.34 per game), 16th in expected goals against (1.82). West Ham finished 9th last season and decided it wasn’t good enough (and it was just time to move on) from David Moyes; the Hammers finished 6th, 7th and 9th in three of Moyes’ last four seasons. Lopetegui was hired with Moyes’ mark as the baseline, not something to strive for.
Is this the end for Julen Lopetegui at West Ham?
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) December 3, 2024
Anna Jackson, Danny Higginbotham and Robbie Earle discuss after a brutal 3-1 defeat to Leicester. pic.twitter.com/ttFjCeeIYT
Player ratings - Leicester vs West Ham
What’s next?
- Leicester vs Brighton — Sunday (9 am ET)
- West Ham vs Wolves — Monday (3 pm ET)
Leicester vs West Ham live updates - by Andy Edwards
Leicester vs West Ham final score: 3-1
Goalscorers: Jamie Vardy (2'), Bilal El Khannouss (61'), Patson Daka (90'), Niclas Fullkrug (90'+3)
GOAL! Leicester 3-1 West Ham: Niclas Fullkrug heads home a late consolation (90'+3)
GOAL! Leicester 3-0 West Ham: Patson Daka gets in behind and goes it alone (90')
PATSON DAKA PUTS THE CHERRY ON TOP FOR LEICESTER CITY. 🍒 pic.twitter.com/6fzgDKJ5i0
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) December 3, 2024
GOAL! Leicester 2-0 West Ham: Bilal El Khannouss fires home to double the lead (61')
GOAL! Leicester 1-0 West Ham: Jamie Vardy scores 2 minutes into Ruud van Nistelrooy’s tenure (2')
Leicester starting lineup
Hermansen - Justin, Vestergaard, Coady, Kristiansen - Ndidi, Soumare, Buonanotte - El Khannous, McAteer, Vardy
West Ham starting lineup
Fabianski - Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Coufal - Alvarez, Soucek, Soler - Kudus, Bowen, Ings
How to watch Leicester vs West Ham live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 3:15pm ET, Tuesday (December 3)
Venue: King Power Stadium — Leicester
TV Channel: USA Network
Streaming: Watch live on NBC.com
Van Nistelrooy had to watch on from the stands as Leicester lost 4-1 at Brentford on Saturday. The Foxes took the lead in that game but a more cavalier lineup and approach showcased their defensive deficiencies as they’ve won just two of their 13 games this season. New boys Leicester are in the thick of the relegation scrap and it will be intriguing to see how Van Nistelrooy tweaks their tactics from the ultra-defensive system former boss Steve Cooper preferred.
West Ham had a lot of defending to do against Arsenal at the weekend. And most of it was uninspiring as they conceded five goals in the first half. Julen Lopetegui’s side continue to take one step forward and two back, as their impressive win away at Newcastle was supposed to be the turning point. A hammering (pun intended) at home to Arsenal was the opposite of what Lopetegui needed as West Ham are in real danger of getting sucked into the relegation scrap and the Spanish coach is also fighting to save his job.
Leicester team news, focus
It will be intriguing to see what Ruud does with this Leicester side but it’s like that Vardy will be joined by Vardy and Buonanotte in attack as they go with a more attacking lineup. That will make the Foxes much more exciting to watch, but it will be risky.
OUT: Jakub Stolarczyk (ankle), Ricardo Pereira (thigh), Abdul Fatawu (knee — out for season) | QUESTIONABLE: Harry Winks (groin), Caleb Okoli (hamstring)
West Ham team news, focus
The Hammers almost a fully fit squad to choose from so Lopetegui has plenty of options to rotate. After that defensive horror show against Arsenal he will likely switch things up at the back, again. Kudus being available is a boost and he will probably start over Summerville out wide.
OUT: Niclas Fullkrug (calf)
Leicester vs West Ham prediction
This is going to be so interesting because both teams need a win badly but both are fragile defensively so probably won’t open up too much. Go for a nervous draw. Leicester 1-1 West Ham.
