Leeds United brought an end to their three-match Premier League winless streak with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over West Ham United, deepening the visitors’ woes as their run without a league win stretched to six games (D1, L5).

After Monday’s defeat left them marooned in the relegation zone, West Ham travelled to Elland Road desperate for a response, but their hopes took an early hit. Just three minutes in, Jayden Bogle’s pinpoint cross was met by Noah Okafor, whose header forced a fine save from Alphonse Areola — only for Brenden Aaronson to pounce on the rebound and fire Leeds ahead.

West Ham tried to respond quickly, with Jarrod Bowen attempting an ambitious overhead kick, but Lucas Perri was alert to the danger. Moments later, the Leeds goalkeeper was celebrating again as his side doubled their advantage. Joe Rodon, left unmarked at a corner, nodded home to make it 2-0 — the ninth goal West Ham have conceded from a set piece this season.

The Hammers briefly thought they’d found a lifeline when Lucas Paquetá turned in from close range, but a marginal offside call denied him, and Leeds carried their two-goal cushion into the break — their first home halftime lead of the season.

Leeds maintained control after the restart and nearly added a third when Aaronson’s driving run ended with a deflected shot that clipped the crossbar. The game settled into a more balanced rhythm, which suited the hosts as they comfortably managed their lead.

There was late drama when substitute Mateus Fernandes converted Bowen’s curling cross in the 90th minute to make it 2-1, but the goal proved nothing more than consolation as Leeds held firm to secure all three points.

Previously unbeaten in 23 home league matches (W18, D5), Leeds responded impressively to their recent defeat against Tottenham Hotspur with a composed, confident performance.

For West Ham and manager Nuno Espírito Santo, however, the pressure continues to mount. The Hammers’ seventh league loss of the season leaves them seven points adrift of Leeds — and facing the prospect of sinking to the bottom of the table by weekend’s end.