West Ham remain out of the relegation zone following Tottenham’s defeat to Sunderland in Roberto De Zerbi’s first game in charge.
Hammers fans were watching closely as the other clubs involved in the Premier League relegation scrap battled for points — and overall, it’s been a favourable set of results.
Forest draw keeps things tight
The action began at the City Ground, where Murillo’s own goal handed Aston Villa the lead.
Nico Williams equalised with a long-range effort just before half-time, and the game finished level — a result that moves Nottingham Forest one point above West Ham.
Spurs slip up at the Stadium of Light
Most eyes, though, were on Tottenham’s trip to Sunderland.
The hosts started the brighter, and the first major incident saw a penalty awarded against them — only for VAR to overturn it, correctly, after Alderete made contact with the ball.
It was a scrappy first half, with several bookings. Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven were both cautioned early after fouls on Brian Brobbey, who caused problems throughout. Pedro Porro also went into the book, while Udogie was fortunate to avoid the same fate after a series of heavy challenges.
| Position | Club | Played | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Leeds United | 31 | -11 | 33 |
| 16 | Nottingham Forest | 32 | -12 | 33 |
| 17 | West Ham United | 32 | -17 | 32 |
| 18 | Tottenham Hotspur | 32 | -11 | 30 |
Deflection decides low-quality contest
The second half brought a key moment.
Richarlison fired tamely at Roefs, and less than a minute later, Sunderland made Spurs pay. Mukiele cut inside from the right, and his effort took a deflection off Van de Ven to make it 1-0.
It was a game full of effort but lacking quality, with both sides struggling in the final third.
Pressure remains on rivals
De Zerbi may take positives from the commitment shown, but the defensive issues remain.
The defeat leaves Tottenham in the bottom three, having played the same number of games as West Ham and Nottingham Forest.
All eyes now on Leeds
Leeds United travel to Old Trafford tomorrow night — the final piece of the weekend puzzle in the relegation battle.
Relevant news at its best. Cheers for this Gonzo.
Forest did what they’ve been doing for a long time, pick up about a point a game. Tottenham did what they’ve been doing for a long time, lose.
I wouldn’t be putting any money on Tottenham the way things are, they are the team very much on relegation form and they only have six games in which to turn it around.
I am not sure we need a match report of Spurs losses, we are not obsessed Arsenal fans
Surely it’s easier to choose what you read rather than trying to control what I write Morty?
You’re always welcome to write something and send it in. But . . . generally there are 10+ posts per day on this website, they won’t all be to your liking. Just pick and choose.
A great feeling moving away from the bottom three. Hopefully the last six games will serve to see the irons confirm their place in the Premier League.