West Ham's relegation battle intensifies after disallowed goal against Arsenal in 2026

West Ham's survival chances drop to 12% after a controversial late goal is ruled out against Arsenal, leaving them facing possible relegation.

Arsenal's late winner seals Hammers' fate West Ham saw their hopes of salvaging a draw against Arsenal vanish in added time when Callum Wilson's goal was controversially disallowed. A VAR review ruled the strike out for an alleged foul by Pablo on goalkeeper David Raya, a call that left West Ham furious. Leandro Trossard's 83rd-minute strike instead gave Arsenal the win, pushing them five points clear in the title race and handily benefiting Tottenham Hotspur. The Gunners' victory also moved them closer to lifting the trophy, while Spurs now have a clearer path to securing a top-four finish. ## West Ham's survival depends on unlikely scenarios Data analysts Opta now place West Ham's chances of avoiding relegation at just 12%, with Tottenham being the only team they could potentially overtake. For the Hammers to have any chance, Spurs must slip up while West Ham win both of their remaining fixtures. Tottenham, currently one point above West Ham with a game in hand, would need to win at least two of their final three matches to secure safety. These games include trips to Chelsea and Everton, followed by a home clash against the same opposition on the season's final day. ## Exact scenarios for survival and relegation West Ham could be relegated as early as next Sunday if Tottenham beat Leeds United on Monday and the Hammers lose their next match at Newcastle United. Tottenham would automatically secure safety with two wins from their final three games, while West Ham would need to amass at least two more points than Spurs to survive due to an inferior goal difference. Already-relegated teams Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley have been confirmed, while Nottingham Forest and Leeds United are now safe from the drop. ## Nuno Espirito Santo stays defiant despite odds West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo admitted the task ahead is daunting but vowed to keep pushing forward until the final whistle. Speaking after the defeat to Arsenal, he emphasized that fate is no longer in his team's hands and stressed the importance of fighting in the last two games. "It's going to be tough," he told reporters. "It's not in our hands. We fight for it and we will keep on fighting. It is our responsibility - we represent a huge club and it's our obligation to go for it in these last two games." He also praised his players' spirit, highlighting their performance at the London Stadium despite the heartbreak. ## West Ham's inconsistent form costs them dearly Even if West Ham lose their remaining two games, their current tally of 36 points would be the highest total for a relegated side in a decade. Only Newcastle United in 2015-16 went down with more points (37), while teams have stayed up with as few as 30 points in recent seasons. Forest managed to survive with just 32 points two years ago. Since the Premier League expanded to 20 teams in 1995-96, an average of 36 points has been required to avoid relegation. West Ham's recent form isn't poor, as they sit 11th in the six-game form chart, but competitors like Forest and Leeds have surged ahead. ## Rival teams surge while West Ham struggle Nottingham Forest top the six-match form table and remain unbeaten in their last eight games, while Leeds United sit fifth despite playing just five matches in that span and have gone six games without defeat. Tottenham have also turned their season around under new manager Roberto de Zerbi, winning their last two matches to climb out of the relegation zone. These improvements by rivals have left West Ham in a precarious position despite their own solid performances. ## Managerial carousel adds to bottom-half chaos The battle at the bottom of the table saw a flurry of managerial changes. Nottingham Forest dismissed Nuno Espirito Santo in September, who quickly moved to West Ham after Graham Potter was let go. Forest then appointed Ange Postecoglou, who had previously been linked with struggling Tottenham before being sacked themselves. The club then turned to Sean Dyche, who was also relieved of his duties. Vitor Pereira, who had been dismissed by Wolves in November, ended up keeping Forest in the top flight. Tottenham cycled through Thomas Frank and interim Igor Tudor before landing on De Zerbi, who guided them clear of danger. Wolves, managed by Rob Edwards, couldn't avoid relegation, while Burnley waited until after their drop to part ways with Scott Parker. ## West Ham captain refuses to surrender hope Jarrod Bowen, West Ham's captain, acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but insisted the team would never give up. "It's going to be tough. We never say never at this club. We have two games left. We did a lot of good things on Sunday. We have to win." Bowen's words reflected the Hammers' fighting spirit as they prepare for their final two matches, aiming to turn their fortunes around despite the overwhelming odds.