Spurs lifeline or good step for West Ham – who’s favourite for drop?

Recent match highlights have seen key goals from West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, Tottenham’s Xavi Simons, and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, shifting the momentum in their respective campaigns. A mix of despair on Saturday and cautious optimism on Monday has defined the current state of the race for survival. While Tottenham fans endure a grueling season, the draw between West Ham and Crystal Palace has provided some relief, leaving Spurs still two points from safety in their battle to avoid a top-flight drop since 1977.

Nuno’s confidence in tight race

West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo addressed the relegation battle after the draw at Selhurst Park, stating:

“It will go all the way, for sure. Not only at the bottom of the table but at the top. This season has been very tight. We don’t make points, we play games. We have a mission ahead and keep going.”

The Hammers’ recent 19 points from 12 games have kept them in contention, while Forest and Leeds also show signs of progress.

Leeds and Forest surge ahead

Leeds United and Nottingham Forest emerged as standout performers in the latest round of fixtures, securing significant home victories to close the gap on the drop zone. Leeds now sit eight points clear, while Forest are five points away from safety. However, with Wolves and Burnley exiting the battle, the remaining teams still face crucial challenges.

Spurs, meanwhile, remain winless in their past 15 league games, having managed just two victories since October 26. A key test looms as they take on Wolves on Saturday, needing a win to avoid matching their club’s worst-ever league drought, which spanned 91 years between 1934 and 1935.

De Zerbi’s five-game ambition

Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham’s manager, praised his side’s resilience after a draw with Brighton, claiming:

“We are able to win five games in a row to end the season.”

Yet, this optimism contrasts with the club’s current form, which has struggled to maintain consistency despite the manager’s confidence.

Looking ahead, Spurs’ fixtures offer a mix of opportunities and threats. A trip to Wolves is critical, followed by a home clash against Leeds on May 11. Their May 3 match against Aston Villa, though challenging, aligns with their Europa League semi-final schedule. The final weekend will test them against both Chelsea and Everton, as the race for survival tightens across the league.

Upcoming clashes and survival stakes

West Ham’s next matches against Everton and Brentford will determine their fate, with Arsenal’s visit to London Stadium on May 10 adding pressure. For Forest, their final five games include tough away trips to Chelsea and Manchester United, with the Europa League semi-final against Villa looming. Meanwhile, Newcastle’s struggles highlight the precariousness of the relegation battle, as their final home game against Leeds could decide their fate.