Whatever happens over the next four weeks – and we certainly don’t want to tempt fate – there should be at least some respect given to Nuno Espirito Santos and the West Ham players.
On the 6th January, West Ham had 14 points, limping away from a 1-2 home defeat to Forest, which hurt just as much as the embarrassing 3-0 away defeat to Wolves three days earlier. It was abject and disheartening. But it was also a turning point, followed by three wins in four games, a growing sense of purpose at home, and the transformation of a club that now has survival in its own hands.
There is still work to be done, of course. But we did want to look ahead to the final game of the season on Sunday, 24th May. Where will West Ham be at that point? Will it be a key game in securing the club’s future in the Premier League? There is a chance it’s a complete dead rubber, with both teams guaranteed to survive. We don’t know, of course, and if we had a crystal ball, we’d be buying online lottery tickets, not speculating about Hammers’ hypotheticals.
Leeds look secure in their position
Yet, it is clear that – if it is a must-win game – it might be a generous fixture to finish up on. Leeds have pulled away in the relegation battle – 50/1 with some bookies for them to go down – and they will likely pick up a few points between now and the end of May, so their position could be secure. They will still put up a fight, even if it is the case, because “on the beach already” doesn’t always apply to the Premier League. But we will say it again, it is potentially a very good fixture to finish up on.
The key, however, is that there is actually something to fight for on that day. The three preceding fixtures – Brentford (A), Arsenal (H), Newcastle (A) – look brutal, to be frank. Brentford are in the hunt for European places and enjoying a vintage season under Keith Andrews. Arsenal, well, they look locked in one of the tightest title races in recent times, even if – much to the delight of rival fans – the wheels are coming off. It’s also always tough up at Newcastle, even if the Hammers have a good record of late at St James’ Park, including a 2-0 win the last time they played there in the league.
Spurs and Forest have tough games too
There will certainly be scrutiny on what’s happening with Spurs and Forest, but you get the impression that Nuno will be doing all that he can to keep the players’ minds on their own business. Yet, that’s not always as easy as players purport when giving those “we’re just focusing on our own game” interviews to the media. They will have an eye on Spurs when they play tough games away to Villa and Chelsea, and the same for Forest when they visit Manchester United and Chelsea.
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Nevertheless, it’s game-on, and that’s something no Hammer thought back in January. It will be time to reflect on what went wrong – and what went right – across the season after the final whistle against Leeds on the 24th May. Until that moment, let’s hope that Nuno and the players can get the team into a strong position, securing our Premier League future for another season.
