Manchester United and West Ham play to dramatic draw
Manchester United were held to a dramatic 1-1 draw by West Ham United at the London Stadium, as late heroics from Benjamin Sesko earned the visitors a vital point in what was an enthralling midweek Premier League contest, reports BritPanorama.
The fixture, played under typical east London winter conditions, saw West Ham take the lead shortly after half-time through midfielder Tomas Soucek, whose well-timed run and finish gave the Hammers the advantage against a United side chasing a fifth straight league win.
West Ham took control early in the second half when Soucek pounced on a clever lay-off from Jarrod Bowen to slot home in the 49th minute, sending the home fans into raptures. The finish showcased Soucek’s instinct inside the penalty box, and at that moment it looked as if West Ham might secure a crucial victory in their fight to climb out of the relegation zone.
United responded after falling behind, with interim manager Michael Carrick reshuffling and urging his players forward. Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo both spurred United into more dangerous positions as they sought an equaliser.
At one stage, Casemiro looked to have drawn United level with a header, but the goal was ruled out by VAR for offside by the slimmest of margins. Despite United’s dominance in possession and attempts on goal, it remained 0-1 well into stoppage time, and West Ham seemed set for a deserved Premier League victory that would have lifted them closer to safety.
In the sixth minute of added time, with the game seemingly slipping away, rising star Benjamin Sesko came off the bench to rescue a point for United. Collecting the ball in the box, Sesko fired low past the West Ham keeper to make it 1-1 — a dramatic and skilful finish that epitomised the never-say-die spirit of the visitors.
The late goal kept United’s unbeaten run in the Premier League alive under Carrick and prevented West Ham from securing a vital three points in their battle to avoid the drop. For West Ham, the result will feel like two points dropped, given their spirited performance and long stint leading the match.
The draw maintains United’s position in the top four but ends their sequence of four consecutive league wins under Carrick, who has steadied a once-stuttering season. Sesko’s late intervention ensured United remained unbeaten in the league in 2025. For West Ham, the point extends their competitive streak and keeps them within touching distance of safety, but failing to hold on at home will be a bitter pill given the intensity and passion they showed throughout.
As the season winds on, the ability to hold leads and convert opportunities will be pivotal for both clubs, serving as a reminder of just how fine the margins are in the Premier League.
