FA CUP - 3rd ROUND: West Ham 2 Leeds United 0

Last updated : 23 May 2022 By Kevin Markey

David Moyes believes Jarrod Bowen is on the brink of an England call-up after inspiring West Ham to victory over Leeds in the FA Cup third round.

Bowen was the Hammers' standout performer, sealing the win with their second goal in stoppage-time.

Manuel Lanzini forced home the opener from close range after Nikola Vlasic had been denied by Illan Meslier.

"If he keeps playing at the level he's playing at he's going to get closer," said boss Moyes.

 

Moyes, whose Hammers will visit sixth-tier Kidderminster in the fourth round, added: "The competition is so strong in that position, but if you've got wide players who score goals and make assists he's got a chance.

 

"Hopefully he'll keep that pressure on Gareth [Southgate]. As a manager you enjoy the thought of helping someone become an international.

 

"We'll keep pushing Jarrod, keep trying to get him scoring and improve his game - and hopefully get him an England cap."

 

Leeds were without 10 first-team players including striker Patrick Bamford, meaning boss Marcelo Bielsa handed first starts to teenagers Lewis Bate, Leo Hjelde and Sam Greenwood.

 

In contrast, Moyes was able to name a strong side with Bowen, Antonio and Declan Rice in their ranks.

 

Bowen fired just wide from distance as the home side started brightly, before seeing an effort from inside the area cleared off the line by Luke Ayling.

 

The Hammers went in front in the 34th minute when Vlasic turned smartly in the box only to be denied by a combination of Meslier and Hjelde, with Lanzini on hand to fire home the rebound.

 

Leeds were unhappy as they felt Bowen was offside in the build-up, but the goal was awarded after a lengthy VAR check.

 

Whites boss Bielsa would not be drawn on the incident after the game.

 

"It's a decision I prefer to accept what the referees say," said the Argentine. "Not because I haven't created an opinion, but it's a collaboration us managers should make, [we] should accept their decisions even if they jeopardise us."

 

Bielsa brought on Raphinha and Stuart Dallas for youngsters Bate and Greenwood at half-time, but then lost another player to injury when Junior Firpo was forced off with suspected concussion in the second half.

 

The visitors threatened an equaliser but Jack Harrison failed to connect properly with his flick from Mateusz Klich's volley across the six-yard box, while Dan James could not react when Harrison fizzed in a fine cross from the left.

 

Bowen and Ryan Fredericks both then went close to doubling West Ham's advantage before the excellent Bowen sealed the match on the counter in the third minute of injury time as Leeds committed men forward in search of an equaliser.