Gary Lineker congratulates Everton but is “confused” as Leicester are relegated

Gary Lineker congratulated Everton after his former club survived in the Premier League at the expense of his boyhood team Leicester.

Both clubs were in danger of going into the last round of matches on Sunday, but in the end Everton’s 1-0 win over Bournemouth saw them avoid the drop.

At one stage it looked like it might be Foxes who were awake when they took an early lead against West Ham, but their eventual 2-1 victory was academic due to Everton’s result.

The Toffees finished the season in 17th place, two points ahead of Leicester Leeds were also relegated after a 4-1 defeat at Tottenham.

Former England striker Lineker, who started his career at Leicester before spending a season at Everton in the mid-1980s, tweeted: “Absolutely gutted but glad it’s Everton. I really love this great football club. Congratulations.”

Leicester’s relegation comes seven years after they were crowned Premier League champions and just two years after they won the FA Cup.

Lineker added: “A few words about Leicester. If eight years ago you had given me the chance to win the Premier League and the FA Cup and then get relegated, I would have broken your arm. I would also tell you not to be so funny.’

It has been a dismal season for Leicester and TV pundit Roy Keane wasn’t sure how quickly they could bounce back.

The former Manchester United midfielder told Sky Sports: “They don’t seem to have got any momentum going into the season because of the bad start. It is not surprising to see them where they are.

“Clubs can recover, but it’s not easy. I think it’s a rebuilding job for Leicester.”

Leeds’ three-year stay in the Premier League ended in tears when they were beaten by Spurs at Elland Road.

The club brought in Sam Allardyce in a last-ditch bid to avoid relegation with four games to go, but the former England boss was unable to orchestrate a revival.

The team picked up just one point from Allardyce’s games to finish 19th, five points behind Everton.

Keane scathingly assessed their performances.

He said: “They’ve looked weak in the last month or two, even with Sam coming in.

“They fought for their lives today and conceded four goals at home. This is nowhere near good enough.

“Sam obviously came too late. Defensively they look so weak. Part of the goals is almost a pub defense of the team.

“Not strong enough mentally, this desire is far from enough.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea sent a farewell message to Leeds on social media.

The rivalry between these two clubs dates back to some bitter clashes in the 1960s and 70s.

Leeds trolled Chelsea on Twitter during their 3-0 win over the London club in August.

In that game, Chelsea tweeted that the Blues were “beginning to assert themselves” minutes before Leeds opened the scoring with a quick second goal.

“Life comes at you fast!” Leeds tweeted back.

Now, nine months later, “Chelsea” is back.

“Definitely yes,” they tweeted.