West Ham Travel to Newcastle Hoping to Strengthen Position in Relegation Scrap | OneFootball

West Ham may have been given an important lifeline in their battle for survival by relegation rivals Tottenham failing to beat Leeds on Monday night, but they know that failure to win any of their last two games will result in Championship football next season. 

The Hammers sit two points behind Spurs with two games remaining and have a hugely inferior goal difference, which will essentially act as an extra point for Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham. 

Nuno Espírito Santo may feel unfortunate that it is not a one-point gap, after Callum Wilson’s late equaliser against Arsenal last week was ruled out following a VAR check. Replays suggested it was a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, but they will feel aggrieved that other similar incidents this season went unpunished. 

There is no time to reflect on what could have been, however.

Hammers Must Live in the Now

“We knew some while ago that it will be decided now,” Espírito Santo reflected on the relegation battle. “Our job is to focus and prepare our players and get them ready for Sunday. That is our priority. We are ready, we are positive and we believe. 

“Every game is a must win and nothing has changed. The importance of the points is the same. I hope the players stay focused, do their task and ignore the outside noise. What I try to give our players is confidence.” 

West Ham do have a chance to apply huge pressure on relegation rivals Spurs by playing before their fellow London club, however. A win at St James’ Park on Sunday would see them climb out of the relegation zone, at least until Tuesday when Tottenham take on fierce rivals Chelsea. 

The bigger picture is promising for Espírito Santo’s side. They have been a much better side since the Hammers boss was able to bring in his January signings. Over the last 13 games, West Ham would sit 11th while Spurs would be down in 18th. 

Magpies Left With Nothing to Play For

In Newcastle, they face a side who while having little to play for in the Premier League, with European qualification now looking out of reach, still have a lot to prove going into next season. Boss Eddie Howe admitted ahead of Sunday’s game that he is making decisions on what is best for the long-term, including that being a factor in leaving Anthony Gordon, who could move on this summer, on the bench in the last two games. 

“At this stage of the season, you’ve always got an eye on the future,” he said. “We’re going into a transfer window with a lot of unknowns for us. There will be a feeling of change this summer, I’m sure. We need to give players opportunities and try things for the future with a view for next season.” 

But while Newcastle may have one eye on the future, West Ham’s focus is firmly on the now. Win and their chances of survival increase dramatically. Lose and a first season back in the Championship since 2012 looks more than likely.