LONDON: West Ham handed relegation-threatened Leicester its fourth straight Premier League loss by beating Ruud van Nistelrooy’s team 2-0 on Thursday.
Leicester failed to score in each of those defeats — and allowed a total of 12 goals — to remain 19th in the standings, five points from safety. The Foxes have lost 11 of their past 12 league games.
Tomas Soucek scored in the 21st minute for the home team at London Stadium and the Hammers doubled the lead when Jarrod Bowen’s strike deflected off Jannik Vestergaard for an own goal just before halftime.
Leicester shook up its coaching staff after last Friday’s 4-0 home loss to Brentford but kept Van Nistelrooy in charge.
In 14 Premier League games under the Dutch manager, Leicester has two wins, one draw and 11 losses.
“We were way too passive,” Van Nistelrooy told TNT Sports. “Of course we’re in a situation where we’re not winning games and we’re in a situation where we are in the bottom three, and the pressure’s on. But I think the way to get out of it is to literally move forward — on the pitch as well. We have to take initiative.”
West Ham moved past Everton into 15th place and has recorded back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time this season.
Graham Potter, who replaced the fired Julen Lopetegui as manager seven weeks ago, said Thursday’s victory was a “professional performance,” following up from a 1-0 victory at Arsenal last Saturday.
“For us, we’re just delighted with two wins, two clean sheets and six points,” he said of the mini-run.
Leicester’s slide continues in 2-0 loss to West Ham in Premier League
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Leicester’s slide continues in 2-0 loss to West Ham in Premier League
Saudi rising star Malik Basahel targets statement win at PFL MENA Finals
AL-KHOBAR: Saudi flyweight prospect Malik Basahel faces a pivotal test in his young professional career when he takes on Egypt’s Mahmoud Atef at the PFL MENA Finals: All or Nothing later on Friday at the Dhahran Expo in Al-Khobar.
Building on strong performances across the PFL and IMMAF circuits, Basahel sees the bout as a natural next step in a progression he has been planning for years. Confident but composed, he views the contest as another opportunity to underline what his record already suggests.
“I feel good. Obviously, it’s my sixth time fighting for the PFL. It’s my third pro fight this year,” Basahel said.
“For me, it’s just another fight, another opportunity to showcase what I’ve learned in the gym, to show my skills, and to get that win. I’m just focused on my next fight. I’ve got a good feeling about it.”
That calm approach is rooted in experience. From a decorated amateur career to an unbeaten start as a professional, Basahel has shown an ability to perform under pressure, with each outing reflecting steady development.
His run in the PFL has already exposed him to a variety of opponents and styles, providing valuable cage time.
Standing opposite him, Atef brings a 5-3 record and a reputation for pushing the pace. Basahel is ready for the challenge.
“He brings the fight, so I can bring the fight as well,” Basahel said. “I’m locked in on this one, and whatever happens after, happens.”
While acknowledging the higher stakes that come with competing on the PFL platform, the Saudi is clear about what keeps him grounded.
“The level of competition is higher than the regional shows, and obviously the media and everything around it plays a part,” he said. “But at the end of the day, it’s only a cage, the same rules, the same fight. I just try to put the work in, show what I can do, and have some fun with it. I always try to learn, always try to improve. I just know I’m going to get this win.”
For Basahel, the matchup with Atef represents a chance to reinforce his status as one of the region’s most promising flyweights and to deliver the statement performance he believes will carry him toward the upper tiers of the sport.
