West Ham 3-0 Leeds: Premier League 2025-26 match report

The final day of the 2025-26 Premier League season saw West Ham United conclude their campaign on a high note at the London Stadium, delivering a clinical 3-0 victory over a Leeds United side that struggled to find rhythm. Under Nuno Espirito Santo, West Ham maintained a disciplined structure, while Daniel Farke’s visitors, deploying a 3-5-2 formation, were unable to translate their possession into meaningful threats against a resolute home defense.

The opening and tactical stalemate

The first half was defined by a physical battle in the midfield rather than fluid attacking football. Leeds United, clearly intent on disrupting the rhythm of the game, picked up early cautions as Jaka Bijol and Brenden Aaronson were both booked by the 25th minute. The tactical setup from Farke aimed to crowd the center of the pitch, but it often left Leeds disjointed when attempting to transition into the final third.

West Ham, operating in a 4-2-3-1, remained patient. Nuno Espirito Santo opted for a tactical adjustment immediately after the interval, introducing Pablo in place of Callum Wilson to add more creative impetus behind the striker. This change signaled a shift in momentum as the hosts began to exploit the space behind the Leeds wing-backs, forcing the visitors to drop deeper and absorb sustained pressure.

The decisive moment

The deadlock was finally broken in the 67th minute. Jarrod Bowen, who proved to be the most influential player on the pitch, found space on the flank before delivering a precise ball into the path of Valentin Castellanos. Castellanos finished with composure, providing the breakthrough that forced Leeds to abandon their conservative shape.

The goal acted as a catalyst for West Ham’s dominance. Just two minutes later, Farke attempted to revitalize his attack by introducing Dominic Calvert-Lewin for Wilfried Gnonto, but the momentum remained firmly with the hosts. In the 79th minute, the roles were reversed from the first goal; Mateus Fernandes provided the assist for Bowen, who doubled the lead with a well-taken strike.

As Leeds pushed forward in a desperate bid to salvage something from the final minutes, they left themselves exposed at the back. West Ham capitalized on the gaps, and in the 90th minute, Callum Wilson—who had been substituted back onto the pitch for N’Golo Kanté late in the game—found the net after an assist from Crysencio Summerville. The 3-0 scoreline reflected a second half in which West Ham’s tactical discipline and superior clinical edge proved insurmountable for the visitors.

Looking ahead

For West Ham, the victory provides a positive conclusion to the season, offering a foundation of stability for Nuno Espirito Santo to build upon during the summer transfer window. Conversely, the result leaves Leeds United with significant questions regarding their defensive consistency and attacking output as they look toward the challenges of the next campaign.