Credit: Breaking Media/Manh Tung

Josh Edwards

Sat 25 April 2026 19:10, UK

Adama Traore still has a crucial role to play for West Ham United despite being left on the bench against Everton.

The Hammers secured a crucial 2-1 victory against Everton on Saturday, only made to be more important by Tottenham’s late winner against Wolves.

It ensures that safety remains in their own hands with four games left to be played, albeit with some tough fixtures ahead.

Nuno Espirito Santo nearly cost his side the game with some negative substitutions, with Adama one of those left on the bench.

However, if West Ham are to stay above the bottom three, the Spaniard may be crucial.

Adama Traore can be the difference-maker for West Ham

Not in the sense that he is the player to pop up with a big goal in a big game, but more so because of the impact he can have late in encounters.

Had Nuno utilised him against Everton, the Hammers would not have been camped in their own half as they were for the majority of the second half.

Adama is direct with the ball at his feet, and his pace so often gets West Ham in advanced areas of the pitch, which will be key in the final four games.

Should the Irons find themselves defending a late lead in any of their next few encounters, then Nuno simply must recognise the value that Adama would hold in those scenarios.

What are West Ham’s chances of relegation?

The season is far from over yet, and the Hammers are still nowhere near being safe in the Premier League.

In the aftermath of their latest win over Everton, Opta‘s supercomputer has given the Irons a 36.84 per cent chance of relegation, with a predicted finish of 17th.

In comparison, Tottenham remain the most likely to go down with a 60.22 per cent chance.

The battle to avoid the drop certainly looks set to go down to the wire.