West Ham United are on the brink of relegation from the Premier League and Tottenham Hotspur can breathe a huge sigh of relief. West Ham lost 3-1 away to Newcastle United on Sunday night, ensuring they will start the final weekend of the season in the bottom three.
But their fate may already be sealed if Tottenham beat London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night. Spurs maintain a two-point lead over West Ham, but if they pick up three points against Chelsea they will move five points clear with one game remaining. Spurs know they don’t need to lose to their London rivals, as even a draw would effectively seal the Hammers’ fate.
Newcastle started the game with an early goal from Nick Woltemade, and soon after William Osula added another goal to double the home side’s advantage. West Ham, who had done it all at the break, tried to improve their form even more after the break, but were unable to prevent Newcastle’s third-placed team from bursting their bubble.
While Osula scored again and a stunning goal from Valentin Castellanos restored a glimmer of hope to the visiting side, West Ham suffered a crushing defeat. All eyes are on Stamford Bridge, but Tottenham have an overwhelmingly superior goal difference, so even if Spurs draw, the Hammers will essentially be eliminated.
This means that while it is unlikely that the games will end in a tie on points, it is likely that a 10-goal swing will be required. Tottenham’s goal difference at this stage of the season is effectively worth an extra point for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
Even if Tuesday night’s result favors West Ham, there will still be a mountain to climb on the final day. West Ham host Leeds at the London Stadium and need a win to have any chance of moving out of the bottom three at the death.
West Ham, meanwhile, will claim the biggest favor from former manager David Moyes, who will take his Everton side to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the final day of the season. Due to the aforementioned goal differential, the Spurs should almost certainly stay in the division with just one point in their next two games.
West Ham were last relegated from the Premier League in 2010, when they finished bottom of the table. They did not have to wait long to return and the East Londoners achieved promotion in the play-offs the following season. Barring a miracle, West Ham’s attention could turn to preparing for life in the Championship as early as Tuesday night.
