There is a growing narrative that Tottenham Hotspur will turn it on at just the right time to win the fight with West Ham for Premier League survival – but Tomas Soucek isn’t so sure.
It is now a straight shootout between bitter rivals West Ham and Spurs over who stays in the Premier League.
Both Leeds and Nottingham Forest have made themselves safe in the last week, leaving Nuno Espirito Santo’s Hammers and Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham in a literal fight to the death over the final five games.
De Zerbi has warned West Ham that Spurs will win all their remaining games ahead of a trip to already relegated Wolves while the Irons welcome European-chasing Everton and former boss David Moyes to the London Stadium.
Soucek says West Ham have edge over Spurs in relegation battle
West Ham have been deemed to have the tougher run-in on paper but have the far superior form given Tottenham have not won a single league game this year.
But while De Zerbi is vowing his team can have a perfect end to the season, Tomas Soucek believes it is very much advantage West Ham in the Premier League survival battle.
Out of 10, how confident are you that West Ham will stay up? ⬆️
Nuno is feeling good! 🤩
West Ham are two points ahead of Spurs with five games to go.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
But if Tottenham beat Wolves and West Ham fail to secure a victory over Everton, then Nuno’s men will drop back into the relegation zone with four matches remaining.
On the flip side, a West Ham win coupled with a shock Tottenham defeat might just be what seals safety for the east Londoners.
The stakes have never been higher but many pundits, journalists and fans believe Tottenham will pull it off.
According to Soucek, though, West Ham have a crucial edge over Spurs – because it is in their hands.
The big Czech midfielder says that is the single most important factor in the relegation battle and is determined to keep it that way.
West Ham have control of relegation destiny says Soucek
“I am very happy that it’s in our hands,” Soucek told West Ham’s website.
“That’s the most important thing and we want to keep it that way until the end. I can’t say how many points we need, but we have to go (forward and) now I think only about the Everton match.
Tomas Soucek; Premier League record-breaker!
What is your FAVOURITE Soucek moment?
“We know that we are now playing the final five matches, we know that it’s in our hands, and that’s something we want to do and it’s a big goal for us and for our fans.
“It’s a big game for us at home against Everton and we all want three points from that game.”
If West Ham beat Everton and Spurs lose to Wolves, Nuno’s side will move five points clear of De Zerbi’s north Londoners with four games to play.
A West Ham win and Spurs draw will see the Hammers establish a four-point gap.
There are two outcomes which would take away the big advantage Soucek feels is so important, though.
If the Hammers draw and Spurs win then the two sides will be level on 34 points – but Tottenham have a far superior goal difference that is worth a point – putting survival in their hands over the final four matches.
Should Tottenham win and West Ham lose, Spurs will be one point ahead and would again control their own destiny when it comes to Premier League safety.
What could prove crucial is that West Ham have three of their last five games at home, starting with Everton, while Tottenham Hotspur have three away and two at home.
Relegation run-in remaining fixtures: