West Ham capped off our final home game of the season in style by sending Leeds and Sam Allardyce towards the Premier League trapdoor.
It was a special day in East London for many reasons, one being a celebration of reaching the Europa Conference League final in midweek – but also for some farewells with Declan Rice and Manuel Lanzini likely playing their final home matches for the club.
The atmosphere though did not let down the occasion, with fans in full voice in the hope of our Hammers capping off a rough season in great form – and that is exactly what was delivered.
Leeds to their credit started well, looking a side who were in a cup final of their own, desperate for the 3 points as relegation looks all the more real for the Yorkshiremen.
Former Irons boss Sam Allardyce would have been thrilled when he side took an early lead following an excellent volley from Rodrigo – but it wasn’t long until West Ham started to get to grips with the game.
The fans and players grew in confidence as some commanding and accurate play was causing Leeds problems and their confidence began to wane.
Then just after the half hour mark the moment that was written in the stars happened – when Declan Rice fired home a volley after a stunning build up and cross from Bowen which our captain made no mistake with.
Level at the break gave a feeling that Leeds would come out guns blazing for the win, but it was the opposite as West Ham dominated the proceedings which Leeds were completely overwhelmed with.
It wasn’t until 72 minutes though until the breakthrough came, when Bowen was fed through on goal to poke beyond the keeper to send London Stadium wild and leave Leeds on the brink.
Far more goals should have followed as West Ham were rampant, but poor final decision making was proving an issue with our Irons keen to put the game to bed.
Then another magical moment came in injury time when the departing Manuel Lanzini fired home after excellent work from the once-again outstanding Lucas Paqueta.
It capped off a tough season in style as West Ham pulled 9 points away from the drop zone and leave Leeds teetering on the edge of Championship football once again.
The West Ham Way Podcast hosts Dave Walker and ExWHUEmployee were both understandably delighted with eyes now firmly fixed on the European final in just over 2 weeks time.
“Considering this was a game that meant nothing to West Ham but everything to Leeds I’m absolutely over the moon with that result,” said a jubilant Walker. “A great way to end our last home game of the season!”
“I thought it was a brilliant performance considering we have nothing to play for,” added Ex. “Lucas Paqueta is going to be a sensational player for us next year now that he has settled! I also thought Fornals and Bowen played well too.
“It’s one of those games that appears to be prewritten in the script with Rice and Lanzini scoring on what could be both of their final home games for the club!”
