Stoke City came from behind to beat West Ham United 2-1 on the Premier League’s final day.
This powerful near-post header from Mame Biram Diouf on 88 minutes earned Stoke their first win in seven matches and left the Hammers waiting nervously on their European fate.
Stoke match last year’s finish of ninth, although they are actually three points worse off despite what appears to be another season of progress.
Michail Antonio had given the visitors a 22nd-minute lead at the Britannia Stadium with his eighth league goal of the season.
The winger has been one of several outstanding West Ham signings this campaign. This turn and finish in a congested penalty box was brilliant.
He probably won’t be, but Antonio has a case to be in contention for England’s Euro 2016 squad when Roy Hodgson names it tomorrow.
West Ham were poised to finish fifth at half time.
It all started to go wrong with Giannelli Imbula’s 55th-minute equaliser. The £18m signing found some space on the edge of the box and drilled a shot into the bottom corner.
Stoke fans will go home happy, but may be disappointed with how their side finished the season. West Ham supporters will have their eyes on Wembley next weekend to see if the Olympic Stadium will host European football next term.
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