West Ham too strong for Leeds as experience shows in FA Cup clash
• David Moyes names strong side and it shows as hosts dominate from the start
• Leeds' young side put up spirited showing but unable to lay a glove on hosts
Consistent League form, impressive European performances and now a routine Cup win - this is the new West Ham way under David Moyes.
For a club that was famous for its unpredictability, this latest victory was almost boringly competent from the Hammers who moved comfortably into the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Manuel Lanzini’s opening goal might have been controversially allowed to stand, but West Ham were dominant and Jarrod Bowen eased any late nerves with a good breakaway strike.
Moyes is clearly taking the Cup seriously, given the strength of the team he sent out against Leeds United, who are still severely depleted by injuries, with Bowen, Declan Rice, Thomas Soucek and Michail Antonio all starting.
Leeds will have been furious that West Ham’s first goal was not ruled out by the video assistant referee Peter Bankes. Nikola Vlasic’s shot was well blocked by Leeds defender Leo Hjelde. As Illan Meslier tried to gather the loose ball, Bowen, who had been in an offside position, ran in front of him. Meslier couldn’t smother the ball, it hit Junior Firpo and Lanzini smashed a shot into the net. The goal was checked by VAR, but Bowen was let off, presumably for the fact he had not actually touched the ball, even though he had clearly interfered with play.
