West Ham all-but safe as Leeds secure promotion
MICHAIL Antonio scored his seventh goal in five games as West Ham all-but secured another season of Premier League football with a 3-1 win that kept Watford in relegation trouble.
The Hammers struck three times in a dominant opening 36 minutes to leave Watford reeling, moving David Moyes’ side six points clear of the drop zone.
Antonio gave his side an early lead, which was doubled soon after by a header from Tomas Soucek.
Declan Rice smashed in the third from distance in the 36th minute as West Ham went into the break in complete control.
Troy Deeney pulled one back for the visitors at the start of the second half, but they struggled to impose themselves on the game, despite having periods of possession after the interval.
Danny Welbeck came closest for Watford in the final stages, but Sarr’s cross rebounded off the forward’s knee and over the bar.
The result leaves the Hornets just three points above the relegation zone, and facing daunting remaining matches against Manchester City and Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Leeds United have been promoted to the Premier League after a 16-year absence.
Second-place West Bromwich Albions’s 2-1 defeat at Huddersfield last night means Championship leaders Leeds are assured of a top-two finish with two games remaining.
It has been a long and often tortuous road back for Leeds, who were relegated from the Premier League in 2004 amid a spectacular financial meltdown.