West Ham closed the gap on Leeds United by one point in the Premier League survival race, as Nuno Espirito Santo took charge of his first game.
Leeds United and West Ham appear destined to be two of the teams involved in the fight to remain in the Premier League this season, as Daniel Farke looks to steer his side to safety.
The two sides will face each other at the end of October in what could be a decisive encounter, as Leeds look to avoid the slump in form they suffered in their last relegation season, having kept pace with Jesse Marsch’s form in the early weeks of the season.
Several of Leeds’ new recruits have shone since joining the club, with Gabriel Gudmundsson being hailed as the signing of the season by fans after the draw with Bournemouth.
Now, Leeds have been told that their activity in the transfer market could be crucial in steering them to safety ahead of the Hammers.
Leeds United have brought in ‘quality’ new signings
Speaking on the BBC’s Monday Night Club alongside pundit Chris Sutton, the Observer’s Rory Smith explained why he believes that Leeds are better placed than West Ham for survival.
According to Smith, West Ham lack any sense of common identity, which both Sunderland and Leeds have in their squad. Smith said: “I think the issue that West Ham have, or part of it, is that they’re completely devoid of identity.
I think when you look at the squad, particularly in the context of what Sunderland have done in the transfer market this summer, and Leeds as well to a slightly lesser extent, but they’ve invested heavily and they’ve bought quality.
“West Ham do look like they’re drifting and they’re not, they’re kind of just throwing a bit of money around seeing what happens and there’s no real kind of common sense, common thread to it.”
Home form will be key to Premier League survival
Leeds have been in superb form at Elland Road for a long period, having gone unbeaten at home for over a calendar year.
This is a stark contrast to West Ham, whose fans have never fully taken to the London Stadium following their move from Upton Park.
To date, West Ham have lost all three of their home games in the Premier League this season, conceding 10 and scoring two goals in the process.
According to Statmuse, they took just 20 points at home last season, winning five and drawing five, with nine defeats. With Leeds turning Elland Road into a fortress, this can be a distinct advantage this season.
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