Nuno Espirito Santo said West Ham have to "go through the sadness" before analysing where things went wrong after their relegation was confirmed on Sunday.

The Hammers defeated Leeds United 3-0 at London Stadium thanks to goals from Valentín Castellanos, Jarrod Bowen, and Callum Wilson.

But Tottenham's 1-0 victory at home to Everton meant the win was rendered irrelevant, as the Irons' 14-year stay in the Premier League came to an end.

Had only results from Nuno's first game in charge on 29 September this season counted, West Ham would have finished 16th in the Premier League with 36 points (W9 D9 L15).

Moreover, their 39 points are the most by a side to go down since both Birmingham City and Blackpool went down on 39 in 2010-11.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Nuno reflected: "Yeah, it's a tough, tough day for us. Especially for our fans. 

"We knew it was going to be difficult; it was not in our hands, we did our part. We are living a sad moment.

"If you ask me to go back and look where and when [it went wrong], it's not the moment. The moment is just to feel sadness. We had a tough mission. The boys tried. We wish things could be different for our future, it didn't happen.

"At least we finished with dignity at home, but it doesn't take away the sadness.

"We did many things good, we did things bad, and were punished. We have to look back and analyse things. We have to understand we have to go through the sadness."

Spurs secure safety on The Final Day, while West Ham's 14-year stay in the Premier League comes to an end. pic.twitter.com/ULdbU46XDe

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 24, 2026

Leeds had already safely negotiated their safety in the top-flight, thanks in part to an eight-game unbeaten league run that came to an end at London Stadium. 

Daniel Farke's side finished 14th, and the German says there will be time to reflect on a job well done once the disappointment of defeat has dissipated.

He told BBC Match of the Day: "If you look at what happened last season, with clubs who spent even more money than us were relegated in February or March. This season, we have 47 points, safe with three games to go.

"We had many good runs of results and competitive games. We've shown consistency, and once the disappointment of the second half has settled, we can look back on a very successful and fantastic season for Leeds United."

Asked about recruitment in the close season, Farke added: "It's not a topic for now. It's a long season, and I'm looking forward to going home for some family time, recharge and not thinking about football.

"Then, with fresh energy, we will talk about everything that lies ahead. Leeds United are in a good spot. We are a proper club right now, back in the top flight, and it's a good situation to build on."