Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Richie Mills

Mon 27 April 2026 9:10, UK

Alan Shearer believes that West Ham United are slight favourites to stay up over Tottenham after their 2-1 win over Everton.

Saturday proved to be a dramatic day in the Premier League relegation battle as West Ham vacillated from being four points above Tottenham to level on points with them, before ending the day two points ahead.

Joao Palhinha ended Tottenham’s 15-game run without a win in the Premier League as they beat Wolves 1-0, while Callum Wilson’s stoppage-time winner secured Nuno Espirito Santo victory over Everton.

With just four games to go, West Ham are two points clear of the bottom three, sit three points behind Nottingham Forest, while Leeds United are a point ahead of the Tricky Trees in 15th.

After West Ham’s latest triumph, Newcastle United legend Shearer thinks the Hammers and Tottenham are the most likely candidates to join Wolves and Burnley in the Championship next season.

Touch and go between West Ham and Tottenham

Since West Ham’s 2-1 loss to Forest on 6 January, the turnaround at London Stadium has been stark.

The Hammers have picked up a remarkable 22 points since 17 January, a feat only six other teams have bettered since then.

There could be a few more twists and turns in this relegation fight, but Shearer thinks that the two London teams will duke it out to stay up.

He added that there is more pressure at the bottom of the table, as when a relegation happens, many employees at a football team tend to lose their jobs.

He said on the latest Rest is Football episode, “I kept looking at my phone because West Ham score, Everton equalise, Spurs score and then Callum Wilson scores for West Ham in the last minute and I think, ‘Oh my god’.

“We talk about pressure at the top, but there’s certainly more pressure at the bottom because you know if you’re going to be relegated, and it looks like West Ham or Tottenham, then without doubt people will lose their jobs in the football club.

“It’s a horrible situation but one of them is going to go. For all of them to have a bit of form at this time of the season is incredible. Tottenham’s first win, West Ham have responded well in the last couple of months, Forest are flying as well… it’s going to be tough.”

Shearer then added, “I think West Ham might stay up. Tottenham had a couple of injuries yesterday, [Dominic] Solanke and [Xavi] Simons went off injured.”

West Ham have the momentum

While many West Ham fans will fear Tottenham’s win over Wolves has awoken a sleeping giant from its lengthy slumber, the Hammers are in the driving seat to stay up.

Martin Keown highlighted West Ham’s never-say-die attitude against Everton, plus, they don’t have the injury issues Tottenham have.

Roberto De Zerbi’s injury list is approaching double figures, while West Ham have a nearly fully fit squad to choose from.

At this rate, you would fancy their chances of picking up multiple wins before the end of the season. But on such fine margins are relegation battles decided.