West Ham were denied a much-needed win as Rodrigo equalized for Leeds to salvage a point in a thrilling encounter at Elland Road.
The Hammers look set to end their five-match winless run following the death of joint chairman David Gould, whose death was announced by the club six hours before kick-off.
Teenage forward Wilfried Gonto put the hosts ahead when he slotted home after 27 minutes, only for Lucas Piqueta to equalize after a well-taken penalty was ruled foul by Pascal Strojic on Jared Bowen. After was intervened.
West Ham, though, could not control a fast-paced contest after Gianluca Scamacca punished Brendan Aaronson’s wayward pass with a first-time shot from 25 yards just 45 seconds into the second half.
And with 20 minutes remaining, Rodrigo stepped inside a Jack Harrison pass and beat Lukasz Fabianski with a low shot for his 10th goal of the season.
In a strange end, with fury in the respective technical areas and Leeds boss Jesse Marsh derisively hailing the award of a throw for his team, substitute Michael Antonio and then keeper Fabianski saved the visitors.
Antonio cleared Liam Cooper’s header off the line, deflecting Manuel Lanzini’s injury-time cross before failing to inch away at the other end.
Then, with practically the last touch, Fabianski made a brilliant one-handed save to deny Rodrigo.
West Ham’s struggle continues.
As a lifelong fan of the game, as well as his beloved West Ham, Gould would probably have appreciated the spectacle of the contest, played as it was at a fast pace, raining down in front of ecstatic supporters.
The sight of the bunch of flowers on the set that Gould would have occupied, along with his long-time business partner David Sullivan, who had traveled to West Yorkshire, was a sight to behold.
But even with a starting line-up that eventually contained West Ham’s key transfer window acquisitions, they struggled.
Former Paris Saint-Germain defender Thilo Kehrer was particularly wasteful and needed to rely on the covering efforts of Naif Agard, making his first league debut, to prevent his unforced errors from being properly punished. .
Boss David Moyes will be unhappy with the way Leeds opened up their defense to score their opener and how hosts England were able to overwhelm a midfield featuring World Cup star Declan Rice while The competition reached its climax.
The performance was better than recent efforts, which should count in the Scot’s favor but, in a world where results count, West Ham’s league position does not provide much cause for comfort as only goal difference leaves them bottom. Keeps out of three.
Klich says goodbye – but Gnonto shines
There was an emotional farewell at the final whistle as Leeds midfielder Matthews Clichy bid a tearful goodbye to the adoring Elland Road crowd as he prepares for Major League Soccer and Wayne Rooney’s expected move to DC United.
Marsh even wore a specially printed clutch T-shirt to mark the occasion, with Leeds fans recalling the 32-year-old Poland international’s huge contribution to the club, which began five years ago when he were just in the championship.
It’s Marsh’s job to make sure Leeds don’t get back there and in the absence of striker Patrick Bamford due to an ongoing injury, Gonotto could help them.
Nine goals in 65 games in the Swiss Super League is not usually enough to earn a player much of a reputation upon arrival in the Premier League.
But Gnonto already has eight Italy caps plus a song in his honour.
And the calm manner in which the 19-year-old scored his first goal for the club past Fabianski hinted at cult status if he continues to perform in this fashion.
Gnonto exchanged passes with Crysencio Summerville in preparation for the strike, bringing speed and direction to a Leeds attack that has been so troublesome at times this season.
