It now seems to be a case of two from five for the drop as West Ham’s survival rivals pile on the pressure while Saints looked doomed.
Much has been made of the fact that West Ham are one of nine clubs involved in the tightest relegation battle in Premier League history.
But if you’ve been following Hammers News and our detailed forecasts of required points totals and fixtures you will know this period of matches was always going to see that number narrowed down.
Five of West Ham’s direct relegation rivals have been in action in the 3pm kick-offs on Saturday with mixed results for the Hammers.
With Leicester away at irresistible Man City in the evening kick-off we can only assume – and hope – they will be well beaten. But even if they win they will still be two points behind West Ham.
Now two from five for the drop as West Ham’s survival rivals pile on the pressure while Saints looked doomed
Elsewhere results have made the picture a lot clearer for David Moyes and his West Ham side for the run-in.
It now seems to be two from five for the drop as West Ham’s survival rivals pile on the pressure while Saints looked doomed.
Southampton’s defeat at home to relegation rivals Palace looks to have made the Eagles all but safe now on 36 points.
It means Saints remain rock bottom with just 23 points and the second worst goal difference. And they now look dead and buried and certain to take up one of the three relegation spots.
Wolves’ win over Brentford also looks to have lifted them out of danger on 34 points.
Everton remain in the thick of it – and below West Ham – after a damaging home defeat to Fulham.
Bournemouth picked up a stunning last gasp win away at useless Spurs which has seen them rise above the Hammers onto 33 points – within touching distance of survival.
Bournemouth’s poor goal difference means many will feel they remain right in the relegation mix. But they are showing real fight and have picked up some important results and look well on their way to safety.
West Ham must be on their game when we go there next weekend in another huge six-pointer.
Looking ahead at the remaining fixtures it very much seems to now be a five-horse race between West Ham, Leeds, Everton, Forest and Leicester to avoid filling the other two relegation places.
Forest and Leicester have tough run-ins but so do West Ham
West Ham will be given hope by the fact that Leicester and Forest have tough run-ins.
But the Hammers still have to play Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Man United themselves.
Two wins and a draw should do it for West Ham from here – as long as the Hammers keep one of the better goal differences.
It is squeaky bum time now and we must also hope for favours from Man United and Liverpool as they play Forest and Leeds respectively on Sunday and Monday.
The good news is no matter what happens in those games West Ham cannot slip into the bottom three regardless of the result against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
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