Declan Rice watched the final moments of the Premier League season after Arsenal win and watched former team West Ham suffer relegation from the Championship
Declan Rice looked depressed after learning West Ham had been relegated.
Declan Rice was visibly devastated as he watched West Ham suffer relegation just after Arsenal won their last Premier League game of the season.
The Gunners were confirmed as champions on Tuesday night, securing victory at Crystal Palace to seal their final win. Their match ended just minutes before the final moments of the relegation battle.
The match between Tottenham and Everton was postponed due to VAR issues, making it the last game to finish on Sunday. Rice’s former club, who had won the Europa Conference League before his £100m move to Arsenal, knew they needed to beat Leeds in Everton’s favour.
The Hammers beat Leeds 3-0 at the London Stadium, but Tottenham secured top spot with a 1-0 victory over the Toffees thanks to a goal from Joao Parinha.
As Arsenal’s celebrations were about to begin, footage emerged of Rice throwing his arms up and shaking his head in disappointment as the result was confirmed.
read more: Mikel Arteta talks about his Champions League promise in brutally honest Arsenal interviewread more: Arsenal finally lift Premier League trophy with victory over Crystal Palace
West Ham brought on Nuno Espirito Santo to save their season, but losing three of their last four games cost them and ended their 14-season stay in the Premier League.
“This is a moment of deep sadness for everyone at the club,” said the Hammers manager, whose future is now in question. “It was a difficult day. We had a demanding mission and we lost the privilege of deciding our future.
“Now, when I ask about the past and the future, I don’t think there is a better day to understand this moment of sadness for the fans, for us and for the club, to apologize and thank them for all the support they have given us.
West Ham’s win on the final day wasn’t enough to save them (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
“It’s been a strange season in terms of points. I think normally 39 points would have been enough to keep the team safe for the last 10 years or so. We’ve improved, but it’s not enough.”
Meanwhile, Rice will be able to end his club season with a Champions League win, as Arsenal face PSG in six days’ time. The Gunners will go into the game as underdogs in their bid to win the European Cup for the first time in the club’s history.
He told Sky Sports: “The message from the coach is to enjoy today, but tomorrow we are fully focused on PSG, because we have a big chance. We want it. We want the double. We want to push for it. And of course it’s the England game. There’s a lot to come. I’m sure it’ll all be worth it.”
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