Former West Ham manager David Moyes cannot discount Everton’s move to Spurs, but ex-Hammers defender and coach Stuart Pearce believes there is a doomsday scenario in which he helps save his former club.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 25: West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo celebrates with Callum Wilson and Tati Castellanos during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Everton at the London Stadium on April 25, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport, Getty Images)
Stuart Pearce has claimed West Ham are back in the mix as they look to remain in the Premier League.
Former Hammers defender Pearce believes his former club can win both of their last games and eliminate Tottenham. West Ham travel to Newcastle this weekend to face Leeds on the final day, while Spurs face Chelsea next Tuesday and Everton on the final day.
There is just a two-point difference between the London rivals, but Tottenham have regained the balance after going from a position where survival was on the line.
West Ham lost to Arsenal on Sunday, but Tottenham failed to capitalize and were held back by Leeds on Monday night in a game they could have easily lost.
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Pearce, who also worked as assistant to former West Ham manager Davis Moyes, said: “They held on in a game where we thought Arsenal would win easily, but West Ham showed what they were capable of. It was a really close game. Arsenal were confident that Arsenal would win.”
“West Ham have won both games and have to keep believing that other things will help them. You never know. But West Ham and Spurs are back together again. But they are playing with a decent spirit now. They are not in too bad shape. But as I say, the start of the season has been very expensive for West Ham.”
West Ham’s London Stadium has never been popular with the majority of home fans, but Tottenham’s form at their home stadium has been the reason for such turmoil. Tottenham are yet to win at home in this year’s Premier League. There is also a scenario in which Everton manager Moyes could end up saving his former club West Ham if the battle goes to the final day. The Toffees are doing well on the road, but Spurs are terrible at home.
But Pearce insists that no matter what, West Ham fans just want to be entertained and should not complain about it.
Psycho: Former West Ham warrior Stuart Pearce (Image: Phil Cole/ALLSPORT)
Pearce said: “Listen, when I was at West Ham people were talking about the stadium, this stadium and that stadium.
“But when the fans have something to shout about, the place gets excited. I saw it in the European games and their run in Europe, and there’s nothing wrong with that. They just need to entertain and engage people on the football pitch.”
Pearce also believes West Ham have the players and willpower to survive, citing Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek as essential players. Pearce said: “He’s been a really good player all season. To be fair, I was there when David Moyes brought him through the door and when Tomas Soucek brought him in as well.”
“Those two guys have a work ethic, they really care about the club and everything else. They can do it with pride.”
Pearce, meanwhile, is hoping his beloved Nottingham Forest can finally rebuild after a turbulent season to secure their Premier League place.
Pearce added: “When you have four managers in a season, something is wrong. It’s inherently wrong. It’s far from ideal. The performance of the players has been great since the very start. They’ve hit some highs, there’s no doubt about that, but they’ve also hit some lows.”
“They have to look at themselves as well. There’s talent there, that’s for sure. The key to that is retaining one or two of these key players. I’m talking about Elliott Anderson. He’s given a warning to a lot of top clubs, but with his performances I’d suggest, because I think he was outstanding.”
“Listen, the semi-final of the European competition was good and they played against a team that I think will win and I think they beat them in the end. Listen, this is an interesting game. They will be able to rebuild again from the Premier League, which is at least a good thing.”
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Pearce has long supported the Pitching In program, which promotes and supports fitness and exercise to improve mental health. It’s something he’s passionate about and was with non-league Grays Athletic this week.
He said: “In my role as an ambassador, Grays is committed to helping people come together and coach, and the funding supports that.
“This was founded during coronavirus and everything was shut down, so I’ve been involved for about six years, but anything we can do in terms of mental health, especially fitness, would be great. And I might get involved too! Exercise helps so much. It’s so important.”
The Trident Community Foundation, established by Entain’s award-winning Pitching In programme, has awarded over £700,000 in grants to support projects in Trident League clubs across the country. For more information, please visit https://www.entaingroup.com/sustainability-esg/social-impact/pitching-in/.
Stuart was at Grays Athletic in the Isthmian League in Thurrock, where he was visiting a ‘fitness and football’ session which has supported the physical and mental health of 15 to 20 men. They will have kickabouts on Monday and Wednesday nights thanks to the Pitching in Trident Community Foundation grant – details here: https://www.istmian.co.uk/articles/grant-helps-grays-locals-to-be-more-athletic
