Ruud van Nistelrooy had every reason to beam as Leicester City produced a stirring 3-1 victory over West Ham United.
The Dutchman, who has embraced his role as Leicester boss with gusto, found himself spoilt for choice when praising his players.
In fact, it would have been quicker for him to list those who didn’t catch his eye in a remarkable performance.
The Foxes’ victory at the London Stadium was defined by three clinical goals from Jamie Vardy, Bilal El Khannouss, and substitute Patson Daka.
Yet, as emphatic as Leicester were in attack, their defensive resilience and an inspired performance from goalkeeper Mads Hermansen were equally crucial.
Van Nistelrooy was quick to highlight the contributions of his backline, particularly Conor Coady and Jannik Vestergaard, as well as midfield stalwarts Boubakary Soumare and Wilfred Ndidi.
West Ham dominated possession and peppered Leicester’s goal with 31 shots, 10 of which were on target. In contrast, Leicester managed just eight attempts, but their finishing was razor-sharp.
Despite the Hammers’ dominance, their only reward came in the form of a late Niclas Füllkrug consolation, leaving Julen Lopetegui’s managerial future hanging by a thread.
Jamie Vardy and Bilal El Khannouss Shine in Attack
Van Nistelrooy was effusive in his praise for Jamie Vardy, whose second-minute goal set the tone. The evergreen striker latched onto a defence-splitting pass from El Khannouss and finished with trademark composure.
“It’s the run that we know he makes,” Van Nistelrooy explained.
“I think it is a great assist as well from Bilal. [El Khannouss] had a good game. He finished with a goal and an assist and worked hard as well. He started on the left, we played with him on the inside and pushed Victor [Kristiansen] up.
“But a great run and calm finish [from Vardy] around the legs of the goalkeeper, and well-timed.”
El Khannouss, Leicester’s £22 million summer signing, delivered one of his best performances to date. After struggling under former manager Steve Cooper, the Moroccan midfielder seems revitalised under Van Nistelrooy’s attacking philosophy. His goal and assist were a testament to his growing confidence.
Patson Daka’s Breakthrough Moment
Patson Daka, another summer acquisition, finally ended his goal drought with a stunning finish. The Zambian forward, who had not scored since February, seized his opportunity with a blistering strike into the top corner.
“We know Patson with his pace,” Van Nistelrooy said.
“It’s a great touch, go straight to goal, don’t go back on these angles. It’s a great finish, top corner.
“He created it all on his own, so well done. I was happy for him. He has got good potential, something to develop.”
Daka’s goal was a reminder of his talent and a glimpse of what he could achieve under the guidance of a striker as accomplished as Van Nistelrooy.
Defensive Heroics and Midfield Steel
While the attackers stole the headlines, Leicester’s defensive effort was nothing short of heroic. Hermansen was a rock between the posts, making seven crucial saves to frustrate West Ham’s relentless attack. Coady and Vestergaard were equally outstanding, with Coady producing a memorable goal-line clearance.
In midfield, Soumare and Ndidi were immense, combining for 13 tackles and breaking up countless West Ham attacks. Their efforts ensured that Leicester weathered the storm and came away with a vital three points.
“Mads had an unbelievable game,” Van Nistelrooy said.
“The centre-backs and the two sixes, they were outstanding. Soumare and Ndidi, they had a hell of a game. They kept us in it as well.
“But we know how hard the Premier League is. We saw that today against West Ham.”
A Turning Point for Leicester
The victory marked Leicester’s third win of the season and lifted them to within two points of West Ham. More importantly, it created a cushion between the Foxes and the relegation zone. With performances like this, Van Nistelrooy’s side may yet turn their season around.
For now, the Dutchman has every reason to celebrate. His team combined flair and grit to secure a statement win, and the foundations for a brighter future appear to be firmly in place.
