West Ham United have been relegated to the Championship despite a 3-0 victory over Leeds United, as Tottenham's win over Everton sealed their fate. The result leaves West Ham with 39 points, the highest total for a relegated team since Birmingham and Blackpool in 2011.
The match was overshadowed by fan protests aimed at majority shareholder David Sullivan, who left his seat before full-time. Supporters chanted 'We sold our soul for this shithole' after Jarrod Bowen made it 2-0, reflecting deep discontent over the club's direction since moving to the London Stadium a decade ago.
Manager Nuno Espírito Santo, who took over in September, has faced criticism for inconsistent team selections and a poor defensive record. West Ham have the third-worst defence in the league and have lost numerous winning positions. The club's financial losses of £104.2m last year suggest a difficult rebuild ahead, with key players like Bowen, Axel Disasi, and Mateus Fernandes likely to attract interest.
Bowen, who finished with 20 goal involvements, scored the opener from a corner headed in by Taty Castellanos. Callum Wilson added a third late on. Leeds, already safe, were without several injured players and offered little threat despite Dominic Calvert-Lewin missing a chance.
The relegation ends West Ham's 14-year stay in the top flight, a fall from grace since winning the Conference League in 2023. With uncertainty over Nuno's future and a squad likely to be dismantled, the club faces an uncertain summer.
