Moments after Arsenal's win over Crystal Palace, Declan Rice was left gutted as his former club, West Ham, were relegated from the top flight after Tottenham beat Everton on the final day
07:41, 25 May 2026Updated 07:43, 25 May 2026
Declan Rice
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Declan Rice's reaction after discovering West Ham had been relegated(Image: mattthacker15 / Instagram)
Declan Rice appeared visibly devastated as he witnessed West Ham's relegation fate confirmed in the moments following Arsenal's final Premier League victory of the season.
The Gunners were crowned champions on Tuesday evening, signing off in style with a win at Crystal Palace. Their match concluded just minutes before the relegation battle reached its dramatic conclusion.
Tottenham's fixture against Everton was held up owing to a VAR issue, making it the last game to reach its final whistle on Sunday.
Rice's former club, where he lifted the Europa Conference League trophy prior to his £100million move to Arsenal, required a victory against Leeds coupled with a favour from Everton.
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The Hammers claimed a 3-0 win over Leeds at the London Stadium, but Tottenham narrowly defeated the Toffees 1-0 through Joao Palhinha's goal, preserving their top-flight status.
Video footage has since surfaced of Rice throwing his arms up upon learning the final scores, shaking his head in visible dismay despite the Arsenal title celebrations that were set to follow.
West Ham appointed Nuno Espirito Santo in an attempt to salvage their season, but defeats in three of their last four matches proved decisive, bringing an end to their 14-year stint in the Premier League.
“It’s a moment of deep sadness for all of us at the club,” said the West Ham boss, whose own future will now become the subject of speculation. “It was a tough day, we had a tough mission, we lost the privilege of deciding our own future.
"If you ask me now about the past and the future, I don’t think it’s the best days to understand the moment of sadness of our fans, of ourselves, of the club, and apologise and thank them for all of the support they gave us.
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"It was a strange season in terms of points, normally 39 I think in the last 10 years or so has given the teams enough to keep safe. We improved, but it’s not enough.”
Rice, meanwhile, has the opportunity to cap his club campaign with Champions League glory as Arsenal gear up to face Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday. The Gunners will enter the fixture as outsiders as they bid to claim the club's first-ever European Cup.
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He told Sky Sports: "The message from the manager already is to enjoy today, but tomorrow is full focus on PSG, because we've got a massive opportunity there.
"We want that. We want the double. We want to push for that. And then of course England. There's a lot coming up. I'm sure it will all be worth it."