Sunday’s final day of the Premier League season contains jeopardy aplenty for West Ham who were -temporarily – reprieved from their relegation death sentence last night by Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham. The Spurs will have another chance to get the job done by accumulating just a point against Everton, whatever West Ham’s result.
However, West Ham do need to do their bit and pull off a last day win against a Leeds United side who are free from the worries of relegation, having performed their own late season rally in form to climb away from the drop zone.
Free from last day nerves, Daniel Farke’s side could easily derail the Hammers’ last ditch survival bid.
At least that’s the opinion of former Liverpool defender turned TV pundit Steve Nichol, who summed up the ‘tiny’ chances of West Ham pulling off a last day miracle as remote, passing judgement on ESPN that:
“How’s West Ham going to beat Leeds? They can’t defend to save their lives”
A pretty accurate summarisation of the Hammers’ predicament – and exactly why they are teetering on the edge of the drop zone. Former Hammer of the Year Shaka Hislop was a little more optimistic, suggesting the tie was balanced 70/30 in Leeds favour.
Jean-Clair Todibo has surely played his last game for West Ham United
What is clear is that the schizophrenic West Ham defence needs to turn up in their ‘siege’ mode which performed so admirably against Arsenal – rather than the ‘headless chicken’ mode which destroyed their chances of getting anything from the game at St James’ Park.
Nuno will have to fight his own instincts: That dreadful three at the back set-up with Disasi out of position should be consigned to the training ground rubbish bin. And that surely means no place for Jean Clair Todibo after his errors in the first half against the Magpies.
His moody exit when substituted and refusal to acknowledge his manager has probably condemned him to a seat on the bench in any case.
Aaron Wan Bissaka similarly failed to impress and will likely give way to Kyle Walker Peters as the Irons revert to their back four that acquitted themselves so well earlier in the year. Mavropanos and Disasi will need to rediscover their top form and fans will simply hope that Everton do their bit. Far fetched? Yes indeed. But impossible? Nope.
It’s a bit harsh comments about defence.
Up to January perfectly acceptable but vast change from thereon.
They have capacity to perform adequately, Man City/Arsenal for example.
Nuno/Paco need to use their heads not hearts both must be aware of what works.
Time for juggling has come to an end throwing team under a bus will end in disaster.
Players must be in a formation they all understand nothing ambiguous.
Firepower is a problem as already suggested perhaps academy player should be put on bench.
Summerville needs to draw fouls and perhaps get opposition reduced to 10 men.
This task is achievable and whu are probably more motivated than Spurs.
Spurs manager has already given them confidence by telling them their not good enough for premier league.
West Ham and Everton 2 goals up by half time will knock stuffing out of them.
Super sub Wilson comes on after 60 minutes and Killman needs to be cleaning toilets.
No red cards or conceding early goals.
only one formation and personnel have worked this season.
just go with that, anything else has been proven useless.
N17 will lose against the Toffees.
Seems as if many people have overlooked the fact that they haven’t won a home fixture this year.
Can Hammers get the victory against Leeds United, yes.
We can, we will.
Apparently I’m amongst the rabid optimists.
Win, lose or draw.
I’m forever blowing bubbles.
COYI
Up the Hammers 🔨
Everton could easily beat Tottenham, they’re a better team. But we need to do our stuff which we haven’t been doing we’ve lost three on the bounce.
It’s set up against us as nothing but a win will do for us and still might not be enough. Whereas Tottenham only have to avoid defeat whatever we do. Odds are that we’re down unfortunately, looks like we’ve come up just short.
It’s not hard Nuno.
Todibo hearts not in it, I think his mind is on other things, so leave him out .Bring in Areola who will be up to the challenge
Do not even consider Wilson starting the game