West Ham United missed out on the chance to close the gap with a 0-0 draw with AFC Bournemouth on Saturday evening. Two of the in-form Premier League team’s went head-to-head in London, with both needing points for different reasons.
Nuno Espiritio Santo’s side had the better of the chances, and with 20 total shots, it will feel it is two points dropped. Whilst three points may have eluded the Hammers, the team did secure their second league clean sheet in three games, showing a marked improvement in defensive form.
West Ham’s closest relegation rivals, Nottingham Forest came very close to securing a point against Liverpool, but a late Alexis Mac Allister goals see’s them fail to pick up any ground on the Irons.
Forest through they had been saved by VAR, as Mac Allister had the ball in the net, but the ball came off an elbow so the goal was ruled out. Unfortunately for Vitor Pereira’s team, the Reds would find the net moment’s later, and VAR couldn’t rule this one out. The result does West Ham a favour, and see’s the gap down to two points.
Premier League Table (23/2/2025)
| # | Team | PL | W | D | L | GD | P |
| 17 | NFO | 27 | 7 | 6 | 14 | -14 | 27 |
| 18 | WHU | 27 | 6 | 7 | 14 | -17 | 25 |
16th, 15th, 14th
Above Forest, it is Tottenham Hotspur who sit just two points above them and four above the Hammers.
Spurs are in freefall, appointing Igor Tudor in the hope of saving them. The new boss could not stop a North London Derby loss, with team being battered 4-1 by title hopefuls, Arsenal. Tudor’s team need to find points soon, or risk falling into West Ham’s way.
Leeds United are another two points ahead in 15th. The West Yorkshire side picked up a point at Aston Villa and look as though they are heading to safety. With Nuno’s side hosting the Lilywhites on the final day, there’s hope they could be well on holiday by then.
Brighton & Hove Albion secured their first Premier League win in five games, to lift themselves onto 34 points, nine above the Irons. Fabian Hurzeler’s team could go either way, with it still unlikely they will fall down into the fight to avoid the bottom three.
The bottom two
Below West Ham, it was a better weekend for Burnley but business as usual for rock bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Clarets came from a goal down to secure a 1-1 draw on the road to Chelsea. Wesley Fofana was sent off for the Blues, allowing Zian Flemming to poach home a stoppage time equaliser. That result leaves Burnley six points behind the Hammers and eight points from safety.
Wolves could not back up a 2-2 draw with Arsenal, as Tolu Arokodare missed a penalty with the team losing 1-0 to Crystal Palace. Rob Edwards team remain on 10 points, with relegation being a matter of time.
Future opponents
West Ham travel to Liverpool this week, with the Reds having beaten their relegation rivals, Nottingham Forest. Despite that win, Arne Slot’s team continue to look disjointed, with stars like Mohamed Salah missing the mark.
Nuno should look at the game as a serious chance for points, with Liverpool having given up several points at home and looking vulnerable in transition.
Following that game, the Hammers stay on the road as they head to Fulham. Marco Silva’s team dominated Sunderland 3-1 in their last match. Despite losing three of their last four Premier League games the Cottagers looked confident in their win. A win over Spurs this weekend would help West Ham, but also help Fulham continue to gain momentum.
