Hope Hurts But Penalties Cost

West Ham United’s FA Cup run has officially ended in the most brutal fashion imaginable - a game that looked down and out, but two last-minute nicks would take us to extra time, and a further two goals would go in for the Hammers, but neither would count before the penalty shootout resulted in a 4-2 defeat.

An initially dreadful first half that was sprinkled with ounces of chances through select individuals saw us one down at the break after a tricky play from Leeds put them one up.

Pain would follow as a surge of chances would go West Ham’s way, but all wouldn’t make their way into the back of the net, bar Taty’s worldie from near the halfway line, but that would be ruled offside.

All appeared said and done as Max sliced and diced our opponent, giving them a penalty, which Calvert-bound to score against West Ham-Lewin converted, putting Leeds 2-0 up.

A magic moment of hope occurred as both Fernandes and Disasi would convert goals in the eleven additional minutes, but our twisted fate of taking it to extra time only prolonged our eventual pain.

Taty and Pablo both sent the crowd into raptures as the pair converted goals in the first half of extra time, Taty taking it around the keeper and Pablo slotting away a tap-in after Bowen’s ranged effort of the woodwork - Though both would be disallowed.

Four times the woodwork was hit this afternoon, and two disallowed efforts occurred for us, which ultimately summarises West Ham’s season.

Penalties came around the corner, but before then, West Ham would suffer yet another injury as Finley Herrick had to step into the net after Areola’s exit. West Ham now have Mavropanos, Todibo, Wan-Bissaka, Summerville and Areola all as doubts for the upcoming match on Friday, against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Despite Finley’s first save, both Bowen and Pablo would miss their respective penalties, resulting in a 4-2 defeat.

Herrick’s best efforts weren’t rewarded, and unfortunately, West Ham’s dreams of going to Wembley are no longer.

Leeds United have drawn Chelsea in the next round of the FA Cup.

It is the hope that kills you, but it is the offsides that hurts us the most. Our fortune continues to hide.