(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Sun 24 May 2026 17:57, UK

Leeds United fell to a 3-0 defeat to West Ham on the final game of the season this Sunday, in a match that they truly had chances to win.

Daniel Farke named a strong starting eleven after admitting the Whites were heading to the London Stadium in search of three points, despite the security of their own Premier League status.

However, after sustained pressure in the final third during the first 45, Leeds were unable to convert when chances came there way.

Goals from Taty Castellanos, Jarrod Bowen and Callum Wilson earned the hosts the win, but it wasn’t enough to prevent West Ham’s relegation from the top flight on the final day.

Leeds’ loss to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side has brought up some interesting discussions ahead of what should be a squad overhaul this summer.

Joe Rodon was too naive vs West Ham

Joe Rodon has stepped up for Leeds this season, but showed his flaws at the London Stadium after being unable to prevent Taty Castellanos from scoring.

The centre-back had been winning everything on the ground up until the goal, but may have shown Farke why he needs to be replaced this summer.

The Welshman had doubters heading into this campaign, and though he’s had good games, he hasn’t signed off in the best manner.

Pascal Struijk’s future is uncertain, while Jaka Bijol has made a name for himself at Elland Road.

It will be interesting to see what the 49ers do regarding the defence, as Rodon may have proved that work is needed in the defensive area this summer with a moment of naive defending.

Ethan Ampadu was Leeds’ bright spark vs West Ham

As seen so often this campaign, Ethan Ampadu was on top form once again – someone who never drops below the standards.

The Welsh international did his best to help at the back, while playing progressive passes into the final third, but was ultimately let down by his teammates around him.

Ampadu had an impressive 94 per cent passing accuracy while winning 100 per cent of his duels in the air.

He also made a total of nine defensive contributions, and didn’t deserve to be on the losing side in this one.

With the summer transfer window opening on June 15, Farke and Co. have a clear need to build the team around the midfielder, who could captain the Whites to a place in Europe next term.

Leeds player ratings vs West Ham

Karl Darlow – 6

James Justin – 6

Joe Rodon – 4

Jaka Bijol – 6

Pascal Struijk – 5

Jayden Bogle – 7

Ao Tanaka – 6

Ethan Ampadu – 8

Brenden Aaronson – 5

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 6

Lukas Nmecha – 5

Substitutions

Wilfried Gnonto – 4/10

Dan James – 5/10

Joel Piroe – 6/10

Facundo Buonanotte – 5/10

Sebastiaan Bornauw – N/A