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Premier League survival race tightens with five games left
Tottenham Hotspur remain two points adrift of safety after West Ham United's draw at Crystal Palace on Monday, leaving the Premier League's relegation battle finely poised. With Leeds United and Nottingham Forest gaining ground, Spurs now face a daunting task to avoid their first top-flight drop since 1977.
Recent form favors relegation rivals
While Tottenham have failed to win any of their last 15 league matches-recording just two victories since late October-key rivals have found momentum. Leeds have won back-to-back games to edge closer to safety, Nottingham Forest are unbeaten in five, and West Ham have taken 19 points from their last 12 fixtures. Since December 28, Spurs have managed only six points from 15 matches.
West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo acknowledged the tightness of the race, telling BBC Match of the Day: "This season has been very tight. We don't make points, we play games. We have a mission ahead and keep going."
Spurs' run-in offers glimmers of hope
On paper, Tottenham's remaining fixtures appear manageable. Their next match is against already-relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers, followed by a home game against Leeds on May 11. A trip to Aston Villa-currently chasing a Champions League spot-falls between the Villans' Europa League semi-final legs, potentially easing Spurs' path.
However, Roberto De Zerbi's side must first end their winless streak against Wolves to avoid matching the club's worst-ever league run of 16 games without a victory, set in 1934-35. De Zerbi remains optimistic, claiming his team is "able to win five games in a row" to secure survival, though their recent form suggests otherwise.
Forest and West Ham face tougher tests
Nottingham Forest's run-in is arguably the most challenging. After a crucial away game at Sunderland, they face Chelsea and Manchester United in quick succession, with the latter sandwiched between their Europa League semi-final against Villa. Home matches against Newcastle and Bournemouth on the final day could prove decisive.
West Ham's fixtures are equally demanding. After hosting Everton on Saturday, they travel to Brentford before welcoming title-chasing Arsenal to London Stadium on May 10. A trip to Newcastle-despite their disappointing season-on the penultimate weekend adds further pressure.
Historical context adds to Spurs' woes
Tottenham's struggles are underscored by grim statistics. Their two league wins this season represent the club's worst home record in English football. Only Derby County (18 wins in 2007-08) and Sunderland (17 in 2002-03) endured longer winless starts to a calendar year than Spurs' current 15-game streak-and both were relegated.
Since 2015-16, 36 points have been sufficient for survival, but this season could see that threshold rise. Only six teams have been relegated with 39 points or more in a 38-game season, though West Ham's 42-point total in 2002-03 remains the highest ever for a relegated side.
Pundits and fans weigh in on survival chances
Former West Ham striker Dean Ashton believes Leeds are "safe on 39 points" and doubts Tottenham's ability to gather the required points under pressure. "I think Tottenham are going down," he told Sky Sports. "I don't see the character or mindset in them to get out of it."
"I see West Ham beating Brentford and Leeds and staying up at the expense of Tottenham."
Jamie Carragher, ex-Liverpool defender
Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira faces a dilemma: prioritize survival or push for European success. Carragher suggested Forest should "go all in" on their next game at Sunderland, as a win could secure 39 points and near-certain safety.
Fan reactions reflect the uncertainty. One West Ham supporter noted their team's "trickier run-in" but highlighted their momentum, while a Tottenham fan admitted the lack of fight in De Zerbi's side. Another observer pointed to Morgan Gibbs-White and Jarrod Bowen as key players for Forest and West Ham, respectively, while questioning Spurs' lack of standout performers.
What's next?
With Wolves' relegation confirmed and Burnley set to follow, the battle to avoid the final drop spot will likely go down to the wire. Tottenham's next match against Wolves (April 26) is a must-win, while West Ham's clash with Everton (April 26) and Forest's trip to Sunderland (April 25) could shape the race. The final day-featuring Spurs vs. Everton and Forest vs. Bournemouth-may yet decide who stays up.
