This was an abject, pitiful way for Leeds United to squander the chance to take control of their destiny. There was no urgency during a wretched second half, no defiance, and no attempt to stop the day ending in another party for West Ham when Lucas Paquetá, dancing past a feeble challenge from Rasmus Kristensen in added time, gave Manuel Lanzini the opportunity to kill off any prospect of a dramatic comeback.
The stench of relegation hung over Leeds when Lanzini’s goal completed a lively performance from West Ham. Sam Allardyce had seethed throughout the second half, the arch survivalist even spitting out his chewing gum and kicking it away in anger at one stage, and he spoke with an air of resignation afterwards. Listening to him run through his side’s problems, it was as if he had already accepted where this is heading.
