Leeds must win on final day to offer any hope of survival

MATT HARDY

LEEDS United will need to win on the last day of the Premier League season and hope one of their rivals slip up if they’re to avoid relegation.

Despite taking an early lead, Sam Allardyce’s Leeds fell to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Europa Conference League finalists West Ham United yesterday in the capital.

Spain international Rodrigo put the visitors ahead at the London Stadium before Declan Rice levelled for the hosts.

Jarrod Bowen and Manuel Lanzini netted in the second half to hand West Ham the victory and 14th place in the Premier League table.

The result left Leeds in 18th position in the table, two points off Everton in 17th and one ahead of Leicester City – who have a game in hand and play tonight against Newcastle United.

Leeds sacked Javi Gracia earlier this month and replaced him with Big Sam for the last four matches of the season. Allardyce’s side host Tottenham next Sunday on the last day of the season while Everton play Bournemouth and West Ham travel to Leicester City.

Elsewhere Brighton all but secured their best ever league finish with a 3-1 win over Southampton. They’re three points off Villa but 16 goals better off.

Ireland international O’Gara has developed a culture whereby his team rise above that and play for one another, as well as for the port town of La Rochelle, home to just 75,000 year-round residents.

He’s made a French side who were unheralded just a few years ago not only relevant but household rugby names.

He has instilled a pride in the garish yellow and black shirt that wasn’t visible for years.

And what better stage to confirm and solidify your presence as a great club at the beginning of an era than in Dublin, against a team whose traditional home stadium is just miles away, in one of the great finals.

Kudos to O’Gara and kudos to La

Rochelle, they’ve captured the hearts and minds of many. No longer is it David vs Goliath when they’re involved, until another underdog comes to make history against them.

Saturday proved rugby has a future. A future packed with storylines, duels, battles and full stadiums. Long may it continue, despite the issues the sport faces elsewhere.

It was a final for the ages, one that few will forget, especially if you were one of the party of fans who stayed up until 4am to welcome their double European champions home. Chapeau to you.