Manuel Pellegrini finally paid the price for West Ham’s alarming slump after he was sacked following the 2-1 defeat by Leicester.

With the Hammers a point above the drop zone and facing a crunch match with fellow strugglers Bournemouth on New Year’s Day, joint-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold swung the axe.

Sullivan said: “It is with great disappointment that we’ve had to make this decision. Manuel is a gentleman and it has been a real pleasure to work with someone of his calibre.

“To play how we wanted to play today we needed that energy and attitude. I felt the changes were important for us.”

The victory took second-placed Leicester four points clear of Manchester City but they remain 10 points behind leaders Liverpool.

Rodgers added: “At the beginning of the season we were tipped as a possibility, with one or two other clubs, to break into the top six.

“For us to be sat sandwiched between two incredible teams – two historic teams – really shows the quality and the consistency of this group.”