West Ham on brink of relegation as Tottenham learn Chelsea fate | Football | Sport
West Ham United are on the brink of being relegated from the Premier League, as Tottenham Hotspur breathe a huge sigh of relief. West Ham suffered a 3-1 defeat away to Newcastle United on Sunday evening, guaranteeing they’ll start the final weekend of the season in the bottom three.
But their fate may already be decided for them, should Tottenham beat London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night. Spurs remain two points ahead of West Ham, but would go five clear with one match remaining, should they take three points against Chelsea. Even a draw would effectively confirm the Hammers’ fate, meaning Spurs know they just need not to lose against their London rivals.
Nick Woltemade got things started for Newcastle with an early goal, before William Osula doubled the hosts’ advantage with a second not long after. With it all to do at the break, West Ham attempted to up the ante after the break, but couldn’t prevent a Newcastle third from bursting their bubble.
Osula once again with the effort, and while a Valentin Castellanos wonder goal restored a glimmer of hope for the visitors, West Ham succumbed to a devastating defeat. It’s all eyes on Stamford Bridge but even a draw for Spurs would effectively send the Hammers down because Tottenham boast a much superior goal difference.
That means in the unlikely scenario they were to finish level on points, it would likely require a 10-goal swing, or thereabouts. Tottenham’s goal difference at this stage of the season is essentially worth an extra point for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
If the result on Tuesday night was to go in West Ham’s favour, they would still have a mountain to climb on the final day. West Ham host Leeds at the London Stadium, and would need a victory to stand a chance of escaping the bottom three at the death.
Meanwhile, West Ham would require the biggest of favours from ex-manager David Moyes, who takes his Everton team to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the final day of the season. Because of the aforementioned goal difference, one point from the next two matches for Spurs should almost certainly keep them in the division.
West Ham were last relegated from the Premier League in 2010, when they finished bottom of the table. They didn’t have to wait long for a return, with the east Londoners earning promotion via the playoffs the following season. Barring a miracle, West Ham’s attention could turn to preparing for life in the Championship as early as Tuesday night.
