In a season where 0-0 has become an almost expected outcome in clashes between the ‘big six’, Premier League fanatics have been required to broaden their horizons in search of excitement. Monday night’s clash between West Ham and Leeds brings together two men, and one in particular in the form of Jesse Lingard, that appear set on saving the 2020/21 season.
When Raphinha left Lille to become Leeds’ 13th summer signing you could have found long odds on him impressing to the extent of becoming a well-deserved Player of the Month nominee come February. He did, though, at least start the season with some potential. For Lingard, conversely, it looked a long shot that he would even step on a Premier League pitch in 20/21.
But here we are in March, with West Ham fully embarked on a Champions League charge, thanks in no small part to the energy and ability Lingard has injected at the London Stadium since his arrival. Three goals, two assists and a few novelty celebrations have thrust the Old Trafford exile to cult status in East London. Worryingly for Leeds and future opponents, manager David Moyes believes ‘he is still getting there.’ If he gets there on Monday, Leeds will need their own showman to match him stepover for stepover.
Leeds may not sit in the same lofty position as their opponents but they have become the ‘can’t miss’ club during a sometimes stale season. Patrick Bamford stole the early headlines but there is no doubt that Raphinha has become the star turn. His quick feet have generated an online buzz (to Gary Cahill’s expense) but it is the delivery, from set-pieces and open play, which promises to threaten a Hammers defence that conceded twice from dead balls in their narrow defeat to Man City last time out. The only concern for Leeds is that Raphinha’s performances have caught too many eyes, with the 23-year-old Brazilian reportedly attracting interest from Old Trafford and Anfield. Any transfer fee this summer would need to dwarf Leeds’ original £17m outlay.
Both Lingard and Raphinha have combined style and substance in recent weeks and, whilst there are plenty capable of playing matchwinner on both sides, it is the two great entertainers that will have supporters on both sides counting down the days until they can see their new heroes in person. Thanks to two of the Premier League’s form players, West Ham vs Leeds has, unexpectedly, become a Monday night must-watch.