Even Nuno Espirito Santo is beginning to lose hope as Tottenham take relegation advantage

Add as preferred source on Google

A frustrated Nuno Espirito Santo admits West Ham United face an ‘extremely difficult’ task to overtake Tottenham again with just one game of the season remaining.

Results elsewhere could not have gone better for Tottenham Hotspur this gameweek, with Spurs handed a massive favour in their battle to avoid relegation.

The latest boost came from Newcastle United, who beat Spurs’ relegation rivals West Ham United 3-1 in the penultimate gameweek of the season.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
16	Nottingham ForestNottingham Forest	37	11	10	16	47	50	-3	43
17	TottenhamTottenham	36	9	11	16	46	55	-9	38
18	West HamWest Ham	37	9	9	19	43	65	-22	36

That now means Spurs need just a point from their final two games of the season to secure their Premier League safety, leaving West Ham in a precarious situation.

Tottenham handed boost as Nuno Espirito Santo reacts to West Ham defeat

All hope is certainly not lost for the Hammers, but they will need favours from Chelsea and Everton if they are to avoid the drop. Not only will Chelsea and Everton have to beat Tottenham, but West Ham must also beat Leeds United on the final day if they are to avoid relegation to the Championship.

It is a daunting task that will leave even the most optimistic fans scratching their heads, and that appeared to be the feeling from Nuno Espirito Santo following the defeat to Newcastle.

Speaking after the game, in quotes relayed by The Sun, the West Ham boss admitted the situation is becoming increasingly difficult.

Nuno said: “What we did was not enough for us in the fight that we have. We are still in it – but realising that it’s extremely difficult.”

The West Ham manager also addressed the frustration from supporters after another disappointing display, admitting the fans had every right to voice their anger.

Nuno added: “I understand they are frustrated and disappointed with what they saw – with reason.

“A team that has been struggling through the season, but with better attitude and more fighting spirit, so when the fans don’t see it they show their frustrations.”

Tottenham now know exactly what is required against Chelsea

West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes also reflected on the defeat and the situation the club now find themselves in.

The midfielder admitted the players failed to carry out the game plan and stressed the squad must take responsibility, while still insisting they have to keep believing.

Speaking after the match, Fernandes said: “We trained all week to do one thing and we arrived here and didn’t do it. It is our responsibility and we need to do much better. Since the first day it is the players who decide the games.

“Everyone needs to take responsibility for this moment and be a man. It is very hard to think about the future. It is difficult.

“Everything can happen. Hopefully Spurs lose against Chelsea and in the last match we go with everything. We have to believe.”

Spurs take to the field next against Chelsea on Tuesday night in what will be a tricky game against the Blues, who will want to leave Tottenham panicking about their safety heading into the final day.

• READ MORE: What Tottenham need from their last two games to avoid Premier League relegation