Leeds United’s Premier League status is hanging by a thread as Europa. Leeds was unable to hold onto a first-half lead for the second week in a row, and this time they did not even earn a point thanks to late goals from Jarrod Bowen and Manuel Lanzini. Sam Allardyce was further disappointed by the injury to striker Patrick Bamford, who will likely be questionable for Leeds’ final match at Elland Road against Tottenham Hotspur next weekend.
To stay in the division, Leeds must defeat Spurs and hope that either Everton loses to Bournemouth at Goodison Park or Leicester City gets four points from their final two games.
Leeds United’s Premier League status is hanging by a thread as Europa
It is not something the Leeds supporters who stayed in the stadium until the final whistle believe is likely, based on the dejected looks on their faces.
When Rodrigo scored off Winston McKennie’s long throw earlier in the game, things seemed considerably more positive.
Allardyce thinks keeping a clean sheet is essential for survival, but Leeds were unable to achieve it in this match as Declan Rice’s equalizer in the 31st minute proved.
After West Ham’s top-flight future had been assured 24 hours earlier, Bowen completed a smooth move to give them the lead, and in extra time, Lanzini benefited from Lucas Paqueta’s inspired dash toward the goal.
Leeds falls short of the occasion
It was clear what Allardyce thought of the situation from his typical outbursts to his team’s failings, including an angry tirade at Pascal Struijk for failing to advance at a second-half corner and chewing gum flung to the ground in anger at another attack that failed in its early stages.
Leeds lacked the cunning to split up David Moyes’ side at the beginning of the match when West Ham, who made six changes from the team that began the match against AZ Alkmaar, were listless.
Leeds was unable to stop the guests from entering when they finally roused themselves.
Pablo Fornals and Rice missed clear chances to score, which could have made the final score even worse.
Despite beginning the last day of the Brentford season in the bottom three, they were able to save themselves. The likelihood of a positive conclusion is more remote this time around as a result of the firing of two managers, Jesse Marsch, and Javi Gracia, as well as football director Victor Orta, in search of an out.
It’ll be difficult to replace rice.
Most likely, Rice’s outing for West Ham at London Stadium was his last.
But even if he relocates in the summer, he still has one significant job as a Hammer in Prague left to finish the following month.
His most recent Hammers goal was a solid personal sign-off, though.
Before the game, he proudly carried his infant son out as his own mascot, and after it had begun, he capped the day with a great volleyed finish to a great move.
With a deft lofted pass that brought Bowen barreling toward the goal, Pablo Fornals contributed to the goal’s creation. The England striker hoisted his cross to the far post, where an unguarded Rice sent it bouncing into the goal.
Rice’s jubilation came to an end as he was surrounded by his teammates and was on his knees by the corner flag.
If Rice truly departs, West Ham will face a difficult summer puzzle over how to replace him.
That issue can wait until another day. Rice’s first priority is to follow in the footsteps of Billy Bonds and Bobby Moore by leading West Ham to victory in a significant trophy.
