Tottenham Hotspur will have added oxygen to breathe after climbing out of the relegation zone over the weekend.
The Lilywhites secured a big three points in a 2-1 win against Aston Villa, with West Ham slipping up in a 3-0 defeat to Brentford.
Positivity is no doubt building, but there is plenty of work for manager Roberto De Zerbi to do to keep Tottenham in the top flight.
As the season comes to a close, history could be a good indicator of what is to come.
For Tottenham’s relegation chances, looking at the past provides a 50/50 coin toss, a situation Spurs bosses will want to avoid.
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How often do teams in 17th place with three games left avoid relegation?
Being in 17th place with three games left provides Tottenham with their destiny in their own hands. It is a situation any club would want to have if presented with a relegation battle.
However, how often have teams in a similar position managed to take advantage of this?
Well, over the last 10 Premier League seasons, the team placed in 17th after 35 games has managed to stay in the top flight four times.
Of course, that also means they have gone down on five occasions as well. It is the sort of historical precedent that will do little to calm nerves building at Hotspur Way.
However, Tottenham are currently on an upward trajectory, something supporters have been waiting to see this season.
In the last four games, De Zerbi has earned 58 per cent of the points available and has managed a 50 per cent win rate.
Roberto De Zerbi may need win rate increase to secure survival
Margins are tight, and with just one point separating West Ham from Tottenham, any slip-up could be pounced upon.
While the 50 per cent win rate and 1.75 points per game total from the Italian are noticeable improvements, he may need more. At that rate, Spurs would end the season on just 42 points, the current highest Premier League tally for relegation.
It is not out of the question that West Ham can win two of their final three games this season, so the Lilywhites must continue in this upward trajectory and not allow the Hammers any hope.
However, Tottenham’s home form could ultimately come back to bite them.
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