It was with a heavy heart that West Ham United players, coaches and staff arrived at Elland Road on Wednesday evening, following the passing of beloved Joint-Chairman David Gold at the age of 86.
The lifelong Hammer achieved his dream by owning the Club he adored, with a floral tribute left on David Gold's seat prior to kick-off in Wednesday's fixture.
Both West Ham United and Leeds United players wore black armbands in memory of the late Joint-Chairman, as the Irons sought to kick-off 2023 with three points.
It was Leeds who took the advantage in the first half, as Wilfried Gnonto combined with Crysensio Summerville to get clear of the West Ham defence before firing home a low, left-footed strike past Lukasz Fabianski.
The Irons were level moments before the half-time whistle. Jarrod Bowen was fouled in the area by Pascal Struijk and, a VAR check later by referee David Coote, and the visitors had a penalty.
Up stepped Lucas Paquetá. The Brazilian gave a stuttering run and guided the ball into the back of the net for his first West Ham finish, levelling the match.
Just 47 seconds into the second-half, the Irons had the lead. Brenden Aaronson gave the ball away in the Leeds third and Gianluca Scamacca gratefully collected, before turning and firing on goal. His strike from distance was past Illan Meslier and in the net via the base of the post.
Leeds fired back to level the score once again on 70 minutes. Substitute Jack Harrison threaded the ball through to Rodrigo, who took a touch past Declan Rice's challenge before striking a low finish into the corner.
Wednesday evening's match finished 2-2, and our Club photographer was on hand to capture all the tributes and the on-field action, which you can view in the gallery above.
