West Ham’s 14-year stay in the Premier League has come to an end after they were relegated to the Championship on the final day of the season despite beating Leeds at London Stadium.
The Hammers needed to win and hope that Tottenham lost against Everton to have any hope of retaining their top-flight status.
For a long while it looked like they would struggle to get the victory they needed as they put in a lethargic display in sweltering conditions, with their cause not helped by Spurs having taken a first-half lead against Everton.
But the moment the home fans had been waiting for came in the 67th minute when Taty Castellano headed in Jarrod Bowen’s corner at the back post.
It got even better for the home side with 11 minutes remaining as they doubled their lead, Bowen driving a neat, angled finish into the far corner.
Substitute Callum Wilson added a third in stoppage time, and the Hammers had done their part but they still needed Everton to turn things around at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
That outcome failed to materialise as Roberto De Zerbi’s side held firm to win and retain their Premier League status.
Relegation means West Ham will play Championship football for the first time since the 2011-12 season.
Leeds, meanwhile, finish their campaign in 14th as they lost for the first time in nine games.
