Tottenham Hotspur could secure Premier League safety with a game to spare after West Ham were left on the brink of relegation.
A 3-1 defeat at Newcastle kept Nuno Espirito Santo’s side in the bottom three as a crucial opportunity was missed to put the pressure on Spurs.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side now face Chelsea on Tuesday needing only a single point, realistically, to make certain that they will avert disaster and remain in the top-flight next season.
They have a vastly superior goal difference to their relegation rivals, who looked resigned to their fate after the loss at St James’ Park.
With Wolves and Burnley both relegated, here are the permutations.
Tottenham Hotspur
Position: 17th | Played: 36 | Points: 38 | GD: -9
Remaining fixtures:
- 19 May – Chelsea (A)
- 24 May – Everton (H)
One point would surely do for Spurs now, their goal difference 13 better than that of West Ham with two games to go. It could be done and dusted by the final day totally, of course, if a win is achieved at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, before they host an Everton side with little to play for.
West Ham United
Position: 18th | Played: 37 | Points: 36 | GD: -22
Remaining fixtures:
- 24 May – Leeds (H)
There is just one game to come for West Ham, who could be down before they play it. If Tottenham are beaten in both of their final games, West Ham will have to win against Leeds to have any hope; if Spurs nick a point in either fixture, it will require a goal difference swing surely out of reach.
