Why the stakes are so high for Spurs and West Ham

Tottenham and West Ham enter the final Premier League matches with relegation possible for both. Tottenham hold a better league position, more points, and a superior goal difference than West Ham. Tottenham play Everton while West Ham play Leeds. Only one set of results among the possible outcomes would allow West Ham to avoid relegation, requiring Tottenham to lose and West Ham to win so they can leapfrog Tottenham. West Ham have not been outside the Premier League for 14 seasons, while Tottenham have spent only one season outside the top flight since 1950. Both clubs previously achieved European success recently, but both now face severe domestic consequences tied to boardroom decisions, managerial changes, and recruitment issues.

"Tottenham welcome Everton and West Ham host Leeds on Sunday - and only one outcome from the nine permutations will see the Hammers avoid the drop. Tottenham have to lose and West Ham win for the Hammers to leapfrog their London rivals and escape relegation. It is 14 seasons since West Ham were outside the Premier League, while Tottenham have only spent one season (1977-78) outside the top flight since 1950."

"Both have enjoyed European success in the past three years, with West Ham lifting the Conference League trophy in 2023 and Spurs winning the Europa League 12 months ago. Yet both clubs are now in unthinkable situations, with one of the two set to pay a huge price for poor boardroom decisions, managerial churn and recruitment mistakes. Tottenham finished 17th 12 months ago, but were never really in danger of relegation as then-boss Ange Postecoglou juggled an injury-hit squad with a focus on Europe."

"However, they have endured a truly disastrous campaign this time around, once again not helped by a lengthy injury list. Their season has encompassed three head coaches and multiple 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, who succeeded Postecoglou last June, was dismissed in February."

"His replacement Igor Tudor's reign was a new nadir, with the club collecting just one Premier League point from a possible 15 before his 44-day tenure was brought to an end. De Zerbi then took on the unenviable task of ending their tailspin. Draws against Brighton and"

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