There was a real sense of optimism among West Ham fans before kick-off. I’d predicted before the game, a 2–2 draw with penalties to follow, and for the Hammers to win. It always felt like it would be a tense, draining affair.

The first half was flat. Leeds took full advantage, with Tanaka scoring after 26 minutes. Potts and Magassa struggled badly, repeatedly giving the ball away, and it was clear changes were needed. Souček and Pablo were introduced at halftime to steady things.

Late in the second half came the moment that shifted everything. From the Billy Bonds Stand, many of us applauded Max Kilman’s tackle, it looked firm, necessary, and uncontroversial. But then play stopped. VAR intervened. The replay showed a clumsy challenge, the referee pointed to the spot, and Calvert-Lewin calmly sent Areola the wrong way. Boos rained down on Kilman, and thousands of home fans headed for the exits.

Another unhappy afternoon for Max Kilman

Leeds supporters were in full voice, West Ham heads dropped, and the atmosphere turned sour.

But then came the FA Cup’s trademark chaos. Leeds’ time-wasting earned an extra eleven minutes, and suddenly the game flipped. Fernandes pounced...