Why the stakes are so high in Spurs & West Ham's relegation shootout

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Why the stakes are so high for Spurs and West HamImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Tottenham and West Ham have both enjoyed European success in the past three yearsPublished2 hours agoThe stakes could not be higher for Tottenham and West Ham on the final day of the Premier League season. While both go into Sunday's games with a chance of being relegated, the odds of top-flight survival are heavily weighted in Tottenham's favour. Roberto de Zerbi's side are a place and two points better off in the table than West Ham and they also have a much superior goal difference.

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.

The Details

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. What is at stake on final day of Premier League season?

Published2 days agoThe crucial split-second call that could deny Spurs safety Published4 days agoTottenham's tailspinTottenham 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.

What Experts Say

Draws against Brighton and Leeds that bookended wins over Wolves and Aston Villa provided light at the end of the tunnel, and they are now on course to escape - unless there is a dramatic plot twist. Speaking to Match of the Day, former Tottenham midfielder Danny Murpy said: "The mentality at Tottenham has to be, four or five weeks ago we were written off. "If you'd said to Tottenham fans and players it's going to go down to the last day and you've got to get a draw or a win at home to Everton, they would have bitten your hand off.

"The dilemma you have when you know a draw will suffice is that plays on your mind, and you really can't let it.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.