Leeds’ Premier League future is hanging by a thread as West Ham came from behind to defeat Sam Allardyce’s side 3-1 on his return to the London Stadium.
Jarrod Bowen’s second-half finish means Allardyce must record a victory over Tottenham in his final game, but their fate is out of their hands following this damaging setback.
The visitors made a bright start and took a deserved lead after 17 minutes when Rodrigo volleyed in a long throw from Weston McKennie. West Ham equalised in the 32nd minute through captain and newly-crowned Hammer of the Year Rice, six years to the day since he made his debut.
David Moyes admitted earlier this month that there is a ‘good chance’ that Rice will leave West Ham this summer. It has been reported that he could be allowed to move on if the club receive a bid of at least £100m from a Champions League club.
If this proves to be his final home game as a Hammer, Rice ensured he ended on a winning note as Danny Ings found Bowen for his well-taken match winner (72), upheld after an agonising VAR check.
There was still time for Manuel Lanzini to pass in a third in the closing stages following brilliant footwork from Lucas Paqueta to compound their opponent’s misery.
The result means Leeds remain in 18th place, two points below Everton, who face Bournemouth in their final game knowing that victory will secure their safety. Meanwhile, West Ham are building momentum ahead of the Europa Conference League final with this third successive home win in all competitions moving them up to 14th place.
What’s next?
The final day of the Premier League season is on May 28 with every game kicking off at 4.30pm. Free match highlights will be published across Sky Sports’ digital platforms shortly after full-time.
West Ham end their league season with a trip to Leicester before heading to Prague for the Europa League Conference final against Fiorentina on June 7.
Leeds host Tottenham in their last league outing this season.
