Ruud van Nistelrooy Celebrates Debut Win as Leicester City Beat West Ham United 3-1

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s first win as Leicester City boss was a memorable one, as the Foxes defeated West Ham United 3-1.

It took Jamie Vardy just two minutes to put Leicester ahead, making him the first player to score under six different Leicester City managers.

After the early goal, West Ham dominated the first half with more possession and attempts. Despite recording 20 shots, the Hammers were unable to breach Leicester’s resilient defence.

West Ham intensified their search for an equalizer in the second half. Mohammed Kudus went close in the 54th minute, attempting to lob Mads Hermansen, but the Danish goalkeeper tipped the ball over the bar.

Thomas Soucek thought he had scored for West Ham, but his effort was ruled out by VAR .

Bilal El Khannouss doubled Leicester City’s lead through a swift counter-attack. Facundo Buonanotte played a wide ball to Kasey McAteer, who delivered a perfect pass to El Khannouss. The 20-year-old finished in style to make it 2-0.

Nigerian international Wilfred Ndidi almost added a third for Leicester with a well-taken header, but Łukasz Fabiański produced an excellent save to deny him.

West Ham had one of their best chances through Crysencio Summerville. The winger received a cross from outside the box and fired a shot, but Conor Coady cleared it off the line.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid thought he had wrapped up the game for Leicester in the 82nd minute, but his effort was ruled out for offside by VAR.

Patson Daka sealed the victory for Leicester in the 90th minute, ensuring all three points for the Foxes. West Ham managed a late consolation goal through summer signing Niclas Füllkrug.

The scoreline didn’t fully reflect the match, as West Ham had 31 shots (10 on target), 62% possession, 591 passes, and an 85% pass accuracy. However, Leicester City’s defensive solidity and quick transitions proved decisive.

The result lifts Leicester City to 15th in the Premier League with 13 points, while West Ham remains in 14th, with 15 points (4 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses).

Ruud van Nistelrooy is now unbeaten in his last 21 games as a manager:

16 games with PSV

4 games with Manchester United

1 game with Leicester City

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