- West Ham lost 3-1 to Newcastle United on Sunday
- The loss means that Tottenham Hotspur can relegate the Hammers with three points tonight
- The Irons face Leeds United on the last day of the season
West Ham United lost 3-1 to Newcastle United on Sunday evening to leave them on the brink of Premier League relegation. Should Tottenham Hotspur win this evening, the Hammers will be relegated, even a point for Spurs would make it incredibly difficult for the Irons, with goal difference in play.
Nuno Espirito Santo chose to start with three at the back given the success it had against Arsenal. In this game though, the opposite occurred, and Newcastle ripped West Ham apart in the opening 20 minutes, effectively ending the match after two quick goals.
Midfielder Mateus Fernandes has told the club’s official website that he is still searching for answers from the defeat but that ultimately, all the responsibility is on the players.
“All of us have to take responsibility in this moment. It’s us as players who decide what happens in the game, and today is very painful for us.
“We trained all week, trying to do certain things, and then when we got here, we’ve not been able to put it into practice. It’s hugely frustrating, and it’s hard to explain to the fans and the coaches.
“We scored a goal and created some chances, but in the end we haven’t been able to do what we wanted. We knew we needed to win to put pressure on Tottenham, and now it’s really difficult.”
A glimmer of hope for West Ham
If Spurs fail to win tonight, something they have failed to do on many occasions this season, then the survival fight will go down to the last day. West Ham would have to beat Leeds United, whilst Spurs would have to lose to Everton, who are still in the European qualification conversation.
“We just have to keep believing, and keep working hard. We know it’s difficult, but anything can happen in football and we have to be ready.
“We have to show commitment, energy and fight, and play for the fans back at home. Whatever the situation, we’ll do everything we can to finish the season with a win.”
