Harvey Barnes’ goal in the last game of the league was not enough to prevent Leicester City’s relegation from the Premier League and the end of the era despite winning 2-1 against UEFA Conference League finalists West Ham United.

The Foxes, who famously clinched the title seven years ago, entered the decisive matchday needing a win while hoping that Everton would not secure three points in their own game against Bournemouth.

For a significant portion of the afternoon, things seemed to be going Leicester’s way as they took the lead through goals from Harvey Barnes and Wout Faes. However, their hopes were dashed when the devastating news of Abdoulaye Doucouré’s goal for Everton filtered through, putting their survival hopes in jeopardy.

Leicester City’s journey took a devastating turn as they were condemned to relegation despite securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory against West Ham at Goodison Park. This represents a significant fall from grace for the former Premier League champions, making them only the second team, alongside Blackburn, to have lifted the trophy and then face relegation.

The Foxes’ remarkable triumph at odds of 5000-1 in 2016 will forever be etched in football history. They experienced more recent success, with Brendan Rodgers leading them to an FA Cup victory in 2021 and consecutive fifth-placed finishes in the league.

In a desperate bid to avoid the drop, Rodgers was dismissed in early April, and Dean Smith, formerly of Aston Villa, was appointed to steer the team through an eight-game rescue mission. Despite their best efforts, Leicester fell agonizingly short, and it is likely that Smith will depart as the club prepares for life in the Championship for the first time since 2014.

Meanwhile, West Ham, who had already secured safety, put up a fight in the second half, with Pablo Fornals finding the net. Although their league season ended disappointingly in 14th place, they can now focus their attention on the upcoming Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina.

With their relegation battle in mind, Leicester City knew that a strong start was crucial. Encouraged by the vibrant home support, they commenced the match with determination and drive.

However, it was the visiting team that began to find their rhythm and created better scoring opportunities during the opening 20 minutes. Finding space for counter-attacks, Michail Antonio posed a threat and forced Daniel Iversen into making a parried save after positioning himself well. Moments later, Pablo Fornals missed a golden opportunity as he miscued his shot when given more time than he initially realized, following a pass from Vladimir Coufal.

In an effort to reignite the crowd and regain control of the game, Leicester came agonizingly close to taking the lead in the 28th minute. Kelechi Iheanacho showcased his skill by keeping Harvey Barnes’ overhit cross in play. He then executed a one-two with James Maddison before unleashing a powerful strike that grazed the top of the crossbar, leaving Leicester inches away from breaking the deadlock.

The King Power Stadium erupted with joy five minutes later as Harvey Barnes found the back of the net, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The goal was a result of a delightful give-and-go between Barnes and Kelechi Iheanacho. Barnes displayed strength as he shrugged off the challenge from Flynn Downes before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner.

With Everton still drawing against Bournemouth, Leicester’s goal lifted them out of the relegation zone, igniting their desire for another goal. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall fired over the crossbar, and James Maddison curled his shot wide as the Foxes pushed for a second goal.

Unfortunately, Leicester struggled to recapture their earlier spark in the second half. The atmosphere turned sour when West Ham fans taunted them with news of Everton’s goal at Goodison Park. The Foxes had a narrow escape when Said Benrahma’s shot struck the base of the post.

Aware that a single goal on Merseyside could change their fate, Leicester managed to strengthen their own lead. Wout Faes rose highest to meet Maddison’s free-kick, securing a vital goal that provided a sense of stability and relief for the team.

As West Ham fans reveled in their opponents’ misfortune and looked forward to their upcoming journey to Prague, they had a chance to pull one back midway through the second half. Jarrod Bowen’s initial shot was saved by Daniel Iversen, but he managed to set up Danny Ings. However, in an embarrassing turn of events, the substitute skied his shot over the crossbar.

The Hammers did manage to find the back of the net with 12 minutes remaining, as Pablo Fornals surged into the area and expertly struck the ball home.

Leicester City held on to their lead until the final whistle, but the news they desperately hoped for from Goodison Park never arrived. Their disappointing season concluded in the worst possible manner, with relegation becoming a reality.