In a dramatic season-concluding fixture, Leicester City was officially relegated from the Premier League on Sunday despite their 2-1 victory over West Ham at the King Power Stadium. Everton’s 1-0 win over Bournemouth ensured the Toffees’ survival and relegated the Foxes, who won the league title just seven years ago. Nigerian internationals Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi will now likely play in the Championship next season.
Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure scored the decisive goal midway through the second half at Goodison Park, as the French midfielder smashed home from the edge of the box on 57 minutes to spark jubilant celebrations around the stadium. The result ended Bournemouth’s five-season Premier League stay and secured Everton’s survival.
Leeds United, who had already secured a mid-table finish, were also relegated to the Championship after their 4-1 defeat to Tottenham. Harry Kane opened the scoring just two minutes into the match, with Pedro Porro doubling Spurs’ lead early in the second half and Kane reaching 30 Premier League goals for the season after Jack Harrison had pulled one back for Leeds. Lucas Moura rounded off the scoring with virtually his final kick of a five-year Tottenham career.
Leicester did all that they could on the day, winning for just the second time in 17 games. Harvey Barnes opened the scoring as he exchanged a one-two with Iheanacho and slotted calmly into the far corner. Wout Faes headed in Leicester’s second just after the hour, but by that point, the home fans knew Everton led and needed a favor from Bournemouth that never arrived.
The Foxes had several attacking options but suffered a season of underperformance. Leicester’s squad, managed by Brendan Rodgers, will now go through a summer of significant change ahead of their Championship campaign next season.
All in all, the final matchday of the 2020/2021 Premier League season was filled with joy and heartbreak for fans across the country, with the relegation of two former league champions and the survival of another.
