Oh, to be a neutral this afternoon. So many Premier League seasons have played out with titles and relegations decided weeks, sometimes months in advance.
Just twelve months ago the three newly promoted sides performed so poorly that despite the Irons, Spurs and Red Devils shortcomings, none were threatened with last day peril as Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich town misfired spectacularly and headed straight back whence they had come.
This afternoon’s spectacle is a perfect advertisement for the Premier League’s competitive nature when anyone can, on their day, beat anyone else: Newly promoted Hull City will have every hope of repeating Sunderland’s success following their own play off victory yesterday.
Today’s “survival Sunday’ still offers nine permutations, eight of which will see the Irons relegated. But it isn’t just about probability, as the hardtackle.com report:
West Ham enter their final game against Leeds United with no room for caution. This is a must-win scenario, and their approach is expected to reflect that urgency from the first whistle. Playing at home, they will look to harness the energy of the London Stadium and impose themselves early in the contest.
“Survival Sunday” heroics could be the order of the day
West Ham’s recent form suggests they are capable of rising to the occasion. Their attacking play has shown more cohesion in recent weeks, and their home record provides a solid foundation for belief. A victory is certainly within reach, but their survival may ultimately hinge on events elsewhere.
Which is, in essence, Nuno’s mission. To urge his team to forget about the game in N17 and simply overwhelm Leeds by sheer force of will with 60,000 supporters behind them. The rest will have to take care of itself. Or not.
Wow, some very lazy journalism over at the BBC.
In a head to head piece about the West Ham / Tottenham relegation shoot out.
Apparently West Ham’s demise can be traced back to the departure of David Moyes (who won them a trophy).
While Moysie will be forever a legend for that very thing, the article omits the fact that the relegation form started on his watch.
It annoys me, a new contract wasn’t agreed, deal with it. It’s tiresome.
I think we’re down to be honest as only we win Tottenham lose keeps us up and we’ve lost the last three on the trot.
But… If we can win then the odds are not so bad of Tottenham losing.
If we win then we have a fair chance but we must win for that to be.
Nothing much to add Martin in about 9 hours time we will know our fate
COYI