West Ham clings to a strong draw with Leeds to relieve pressure on David Moyes

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by Tom Ward

Many did not expect at the beginning of this season that tonight’s confrontation between Leeds and West Ham would be a loss to relegation, but this is where we are now.

They have each struggled for any kind of consistency so far this campaign, and managers will be painfully aware that improvements in form are needed, with the club’s Premier League future and managers’ jobs in mind.

Leeds have not won a league win since the start of November, with Jesse Marsh continuing to show great confidence in the younger members of his squad.

Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto and Sam Greenwood have already made significant contributions this season, but the relegation battle is another matter, and if Leeds lose tonight there is no denying it exists.

There are some reasons to be elated, not the least of which was the grueling 0-0 draw with high-flying Newcastle United at St James’ Park last weekend. Yes, Newcastle had more than enough chances to win the game, but Marsh will be buoyed by the fight his side have shown in such a hostile atmosphere.

Of Leeds’ 16 points this season, 11 have come at home, meaning clashes at Elland Road against other struggling teams take on a huge significance.

For David Moyes, it’s as if every game now matters a lot. West Ham’s loss to Brentford last week was their fifth successive defeat in the Premier League, leaving them clear of the relegation zone on goal difference alone.

Whether or not you feel their exploits in recent seasons are an overachievement, a 17th-place finish falls well short of expectations for a team of this quality and time runs out for Moyes quickly.

Fans will have been cheered by Gianluca Skamaca’s return from injury against Brentford last week, but he would surely make way if Michail Antonio recovered from a mistake.

Join us for the full team news from 6.45pm.

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