The stakes are high for Tottenham and West Ham as the Premier League season draws to a close. Both teams face the possibility of relegation on the final day.
Despite both clubs having tasted European success in recent years, they find themselves in precarious positions. West Ham won the Conference League trophy in 2023 and Spurs won the Europa League 12 months ago.
The Relegation Scenarios
Tottenham go into Sunday’s game with a better chance of staying up. They are a place and two points ahead of West Ham, with a much better goal difference. Tottenham welcome Everton, while West Ham host Leeds.
For West Ham to avoid relegation, Tottenham have to lose and West Ham need to win. It is 14 seasons since West Ham were outside the Premier League. Tottenham have only spent one season outside the top flight since 1950.
Tottenham’s Tumultuous Season
Tottenham finished 17th 12 months ago. This time around, they have had a truly disastrous campaign, with a lengthy injury list not helping matters.
Their season has seen three head coaches. They also endured unwanted records, including losing six games in a row for the first time in their history and going on a 15-game winless run in the league.
Thomas Frank was dismissed in February. Igor Tudor’s reign saw the club collect just one Premier League point from a possible 15 before his 44-day tenure ended. De Zerbi then took on the task of trying to turn things around.
Nerves on the Final Day
Draws against Brighton and Leeds, along with wins over Wolves and Aston Villa, have improved Tottenham’s situation. They are now on course to escape relegation unless there is a dramatic twist.
Former Tottenham midfielder Danny Murpy said the mentality at Tottenham has to be that they were written off four or five weeks ago.
He added that if you’d said to Tottenham fans and players it’s going to go down to the last day and you’ve got to get a draw or a win at home to Everton, they would have bitten your hand off.
Murpy also said that the dilemma you have when you know a draw will suffice is that plays on your mind, and you really can’t let it.
He believes Tottenham need to be on the front foot and try to win the game against Everton, rather than be cautious.
One of the two clubs is set to pay a huge price for poor boardroom decisions, managerial churn and recruitment mistakes.