London: Leeds FA Cup drought has continued for 50 years now after a 2-0 defeat by West Ham in the third round of the competition. It is the fifth successive occasion that Leeds have suffered defeat at this stage of the Cup.
Referring to West Ham’s controversial first goal, Leeds manager, Marcelo Bielsa, sportingly said: “It’s a decision I prefer to accept what the referees say, not because I haven’t created an opinion, but it’s a collaboration us managers should make. We should accept their decision even if they jeopardise us.”
He added: “If not, we enter a terrain where we can’t offer what we want to offer, which is good football. It’s a lot of arguments to say the position I’m taking is incorrect. I consider them and revise them. I think the argument I’m offering is superior to that.”
Bielsa went on to say: “I think it corresponded they won the game. They created more danger than we did. They had balls with which to attack in worse situations than we did and created more danger.”
Hammers’ disputed first goal came in the 34th minute after Leo Hjelde tackled Nikola Vlasic and Illan Meslier tried to grab the loose ball but missed.
While several players tried to take possession in a scramble, the ball went to Lanzini whose shot went into the net. VAR checked and decided the goal should stand. Leeds were convinced that Jarrod Bowen was offside before he joined the scramble and Meslier’s attempt to get the ball was hampered by Bowen.
West Ham dominated much of the first half as a depleted Leeds – with illness and injuries struggled – had two teenagers, Hjelde and Lewis Bate making their debut and another teenager Sam Greenwood getting his first start to the game for the senior side.
Hammers missed further chances to score in the first half. Antonio shot wide from close range and Ryan Fredericks could not get the finishing touch to an excellent move by Bowen who had been unlucky earlier to see his shot cleared off the line.
Leeds were also lucky in the 23rd minute not to concede a penalty when the ball struck Hjelde’s hand while attempting to clear a free-kick.
Leeds should have equalised in the 73rd minute when Mateusz Klich shot across the goal and then Jack Harrison incredibly missed from a yard out.
Shortly after that Daniel James failed to guide the ball home from a cross by Harrison. Finally, three minutes into added time, came the second goal.
Antonio broke clear on the counter attack to pass to Bowen, on his left, who slotted the ball in through Meslier’s legs.
Hammers’ manager, David Moyes, was particularly pleased with Bowen’s performance and said: “If Bowen keeps this level, he will get closer to an international call-up. He’s been talked about and referenced but competition for an England spot in his position is so strong. But if you get goals and assists, you’ll always get a chance. I think he’s in with a shout.”
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