Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Sun 3 May 2026 18:10, UK

West Ham United have been slammed for their defending in the 3-0 loss to Brentford on Saturday.

The Hammers are just two points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur after the dismal performance at the Gtech Community Stadium, who play against Aston Villa on 3 May.

A victory for Roberto De Zerbi’s side would put the Irons right back in the relegation zone, with just three matches left to play.

Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side would have a limited amount of time to get themselves out of danger, otherwise, they could be relegated to the Championship.

West Ham dropping to the second tier would be disastrous for everyone involved with the club, in terms of the consequences both on and off the pitch.

Why ‘alarm bells’ will ring for West Ham

West Ham got their team selection wrong against the Bees, and they could be set to pay for it, massively.

Prominent commentator Ian Darke believes that “alarm bells” will be ringing over the defensive display from Nuno’s side, and the door is now open for their London rivals, after what he seen.

Taking to X on 3 May, he said: “West Ham unlucky to hit post three times , but sloppy defending at Brentford should sound alarm bells.

“Opens door to Spurs . Surely no better time to go to Villa, need big performance , but you would not bet on it with this group.”

How do West Ham and Spurs’ ends to the season compare?

The relegation-threatened sides face a pivotal period that will decide their fate.

The London Stadium side face Champions-elect Arsenal on their own patch, before a trip to Newcastle, and they finish by hosting Leeds.

After their clash with the Villans, De Zerbi’s side face a home game with Leeds, who are basically safe, a visit to Chelsea and another home encounter with Everton, who may have nothing to play for.

The E20 outfit are not predicted to go down at this point, with the Opta Analyst supercomputer placing them in 17th place at the end of the season.

It gives them a 48.84 per cent chance of the drop, with Spurs having a 50.07% chance and being the favourites for the drop at the moment.

That could all change if the N17 side take all three points at Villa Park, it would surely increase the Irons’ chances of going down.

The East London side need a favour from Unai Emery and Co, to put their minds at ease and keep them out of the bottom three.