Sutton's predictions: West Ham v Arsenalpublished at 10:01 BST 10 May
10:01 BST 10 May
Arsenal look like a totally different proposition on the attacking front now Bukayo Saka is back in the team.
It is going to be hard for West Ham to keep them out and it doesn't help the Hammers that they desperately need a victory here after losing last weekend while all the teams around them won.
A draw wouldn't be a disaster for West Ham if you took this game in isolation but, depending on what Tottenham do against Leeds on Monday night, even if they pick up a point they could end up further adrift.
Arsenal have had big wins at London Stadium in each of the past two seasons. I don't see them sticking five or six in again this time but I also don't see them slipping up.
West Ham United v Arsenal: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 13:00 BST 9 May
13:00 BST 9 May
In what is a crucial match for both sides, Champions League final-bound Arsenal continue their bid for a first top-flight title for 22 years against a West Ham United side who dropped into the bottom three after last weekend's results. BBC Sport takes a look at the key themes ahead of Sunday's game (16:30 BST).
Title chances in Arsenal's hands
The equation for Arsenal is simple on paper; win all four of their remaining matches and it will be the greatest season in the club's 139-year history.
Thierry Henry, part of the unbeaten "Invincibles" side, who were the last Arsenal team to win a league title in 2003-04, said that Mikel Arteta's squad would be known as the "Unforgettables" if they were to pull off a Premier League and Champions League double.
The Gunners travel to West Ham still on cloud nine after Tuesday's win over Atletico Madrid, but that euphoria must be put on hold as they get back to the business of trying to end their painful wait for a 14th top-flight title.
After consecutive league defeats last month their mettle and bottle was called into question but successive home wins – allied to Manchester City's draw at Everton on Monday - has handed the initiative firmly back to the Gunners.
If recent history is anything to go by, struggling West Ham are the ideal opposition for Arteta's side to face. The Gunners have only picked up more Premier League wins against Everton (40) than the 38 they have against the Hammers.
They have scored 11 goals across their last two visits to the London Stadium courtesy of a 6-0 thrashing in 2023-24 and a 5-2 victory last season. The only side in English league history to score five or more in three successive away games against the same opponent is West Brom at Birmingham between 1957 and 1960.
If Arsenal do secure a crucial win it will also set a new club record of 42 victories in all competitions within the same season, breaking a tie with their famous Double-winning side from 1970-71.
Their victory over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday also saw them record a 30th clean sheet of the campaign, which is their most since 1993-94.
Hammers endure horror weekend
While Arsenal are on a high, West Ham endured a morale-sapping weekend which ended with Nuno Espirito Santo's side slipping into the bottom three. Their heavy defeat at Brentford, coupled with Tottenham's win at Aston Villa, means with three games to go they are a point adrift of their bitter rivals with an inferior goal difference.
The Gunners are the last team the Hammers will want to meet given their recent record in home league matches against the north Londoners. Mikel Arteta's side have scored a whopping 21 goals across their last six top-flight visits to Stratford.
London derbies on home soil have also been a real Achilles heel for West Ham this season and they will be desperate to avoid making a very unwanted piece of history.
Having already lost at the London Stadium to Chelsea, Tottenham, Crystal Palace, Brentford and Fulham they could become the first side in English league history to lose six home games against fellow London teams within a season.
They are at least unbeaten in their last six home league matches, which is their best run since their final season at Upton Park in 2015-16 (15 games)
Nuno has named the same starting XI for four consecutive Premier League games but will surely be tempted to mix things up after saying his side "lost composure" after conceding the second goal against the Bees.
They did strike the woodwork four times in that match - a joint record in a Premier League game this season – but hard luck stories count for nothing at this stage of the campaign.
Everton wrongly denied handball penalty at West Ham - panel published at 16:53 BST 8 May
16:53 BST 8 May
Dale Johnson Football issues correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
David Moyes was "amazed" that his Everton side did not get a penalty for handball at West Ham
Everton should have been awarded a penalty in the 2-1 defeat at West Ham for handball by Mateus Fernandes, the Premier League's key match incidents panel has ruled.
David Moyes' side trailed 1-0 in the 84th minute when the Hammers midfielder touched the ball with his hand during a tussle with Thierno Barry.
"He punched the ball," Moyes said after the game. "It would have been harsh, but I'm amazed they haven't given it."
Referee Stuart Attwell did not spot the touch and awarded a goal-kick to West Ham.
The video assistant referee (VAR), Michael Salisbury, chose not to intervene as Fernandes "accidentally handled the ball while grappling with an opponent".
But the panel disagreed, voting 4:1 that it was an error by both the referee and the VAR.
It was felt it "was a non-footballing action and a handball offence, therefore, a penalty should have been awarded".
The panel unanimously agreed with the referee and VAR that there should not have been a penalty for Jordan Pickford's 50th-minute challenge on Taty Castellanos.
Everton did equalise a couple of minutes later through Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, but Callum Wilson scored a winner for the Hammers in stoppage time.
It is the second VAR error that Everton have suffered this season, both penalties that should have been awarded in one-goal defeats.
The Toffees should also have been given a spot-kick in a 1-0 loss to Arsenal in December for a William Saliba foul on Barry. Salisbury was the VAR for that match too.
With three rounds of matches to go, Everton are the only team in the Premier League yet to have a VAR overturn go in their favour. In fact, no other team has fewer than two.
The last time the Toffees gained from a VAR review was in January 2025 for a penalty at Brighton.
The Toffees have, however, benefited from four refereeing mistakes.
There was a missed VAR intervention to award a penalty to Wolves in August.
A spot-kick should have been given to the Gunners in the reverse game at Emirates Stadium, and to Chelsea in March - but neither reached the threshold for VAR.
Garner, meanwhile, should have received a second caution against Aston Villa in January.
Nuno on his future, 'no hiding' in relegation battle and Arsenalpublished at 14:31 BST 8 May
14:31 BST 8 May
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Arsenal at The London Stadium (16:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Nuno provided an update on the fitness of his squad heading into Sunday's crucial London derby: "Everybody is OK, which is good. It's good for us that everyone is healthy."
Reflecting on last weekend's damaging 3-0 defeat at Brentford Nuno said: "It was a tough weekend for all of us. Of course it was a bad result. In the first half it was positive, we performed well and had our moments, but overall a bad weekend. It only helps us to react and bounce back."
On responding to the defeat: "We've always been able to react during the games and during the season. We've had poor performances and results, but the next one comes and we have been able to perform well and produce a result. This is what we expect on Sunday."
On the importance of the game: "It is a big game and our fans know and they've been fantastic for us at London Stadium, and we've been showing them with results and performances that we can count on them. We realise it is up for us to deliver, but it is a big game."
Does he expect a nervy atmosphere at The London Stadium?: "Being at home is good for us. Especially recently, our fans are giving us an extra run, so they've been really helpful. It's always nervy in these final games of the season. There's always anxiety in the games so it is up to us to control our nerves and deliver what we want."
On the challenge posed by the title-chasing Gunners: "It's difficult because they are very good. They are a very talented team that is fighting for huge things and achieving huge moments. They have reached the final of the Champions League and are fighting for the Premier League title. They are a tough opponent, but we are at London Stadium and that always gives us a plus of energy and especially for us, we have to give our all. There is no hiding. We have to be there."
Nuno was non-committal when asked about his future at the club beyond this season: "I'm going to be honest with you - I don't have one second to think about next season. It's so demanding what we have, the challenge, especially the game on Sunday, that's what we have to focus on. I don't have enough energy to think about what's ahead. It's tomorrow, then tomorrow, day-by-day. All the club, all the staff, the board, the players, the fans, we have our mission. It's about Sunday and we just focus on Sunday."
Players sign 'Bubbles' in BSL to mark Deaf Awareness Weekpublished at 10:47 BST 8 May
10:47 BST 8 May
Media caption,
West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen says fans "will be proud" to see a new interpretation of the Club's anthem, I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles, to mark Deaf Awareness Week.
The specially produced video features members of the Disabled Supporters' Association (DSA) alongside players and deaf supporters, each signing a line of the famous Hammers song in British Sign Language (BSL).
This version of "Bubbles" will be played on the big screens at the London Stadium as the teams walk out before of Sunday's vital London derby against league leaders Arsenal.
"Taking part in this was a really special experience," said Bowen.
"'Bubbles' means so much to everyone connected to West Ham and learning to sign it gave us a new perspective on how important it is that all supporters can share in those moments together.
"I'm sure it's something fans will be proud to see before the game on Sunday."
The concept was proposed by the DSA who worked in collaboration with Performance Interpreting - who also support the club on matchdays - to guide participants in learning and performing the song in BSL as part of their work to "improve accessibility and ensure all fans can feel fully connected to the matchday experience".
Co-chairs of the DSA, Cathy Bayford and Trevor Bright, said: "As co-chairs, Trevor and I are incredibly proud of the DSA's work in leading the BSL initiative at the London Stadium and now to showcase the provision with the help of the first team players and other members of the DSA, especially this month as we recognise UK Deaf Awareness Week."
Keighley Tansley, DSA adviser for deaf and hard of hearing supporters, added: "As we come to the end of our first season with BSL at the stadium, it's been incredible to bring players together to learn Bubbles in British Sign Language, while also sharing more about the work DSA are doing behind the scenes to create real, lasting change and make matchdays more accessible for everyone.
"We hope you enjoy the film as much as we've loved creating it. This song is something we hope will give our deaf fans a real sense of pride and show that West Ham and the DSA are truly committed to making football inclusive for all."
'Bigger issues at the club than another change of manager' - Fans on Nuno futurepublished at 10:37 BST 6 May
10:37 BST 6 May
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on whether you agree that Nuno Espirito Santo is "the perfect manager" if the Hammers end up being relegated? If not, who would you bring in instead?
Here are some of your comments:
Rob: The 'managerial' response to relegation isn't to offload another coach... there's been more than enough of that. That's exactly why doom is impending. I'm sure there are already plans in progress for two very different scenarios. We will undoubtedly lose players and may have to lean heavily on the academy, if the Championship beckons. The European trophy should have been a springboard to greater things, but the owners have blundered and bungled our club into the jaws of the Championship.
Mike: Nuno had the misfortune to take over mid-season after a very poor start, but he does have a reasonable record if he starts the season at a club, so hopefully wherever we finish he'll start as our head coach next season. I'm sure there will be loads of our fans that'll disagree.
Barry: Nuno has done OK but, like any manager, can only do limited things if you are not backed by the chairman. David Sullivan did not back him like he should have done in the January transfer window or with his backroom staff - West Ham will never come good until Sullivan has gone.
Stephen: Stay up or go down, there are bigger issues at the club than another change of manager. The board need to take a long, hard look at themselves and the rapid decline which strategic decisions have played a part in, then finance and then the squad. Nuno stays please.
Colin: If Nuno wants to stay and, crucially, Paco Jemez is staying with him, then it's a no-brainer for me, he has to stay whether we remain in the Premier League or are relegated. If, however, he decides to leave, I would like to see us go for Bellamy. He played for us, understands us, is passionate, and I believe it would be a great fit. I like Scott Parker but don't think he's the man for us.
Paul: A look around at the top Premier League clubs and what they have is manager consistency, they live with them for more than a couple of seasons. We should have stuck with Moyes but that's history so now we stick with Nuno if he will have us, whatever the future.
Gossip: Summerville attracting plenty of interestpublished at 07:15 BST 6 May
07:15 BST 6 May
West Ham United's Crysencio Summerville is being monitored by a number of clubs across Europe, with his asking price set to drop if the Hammers are relegated. (Telegraph - subscription required, external)
'Hard to look past Nuno as the perfect manager for West Ham in this moment'published at 13:38 BST 5 May
13:38 BST 5 May
James Jones Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
After West Ham's 3-0 defeat at Brentford and Spurs' subsequent win over a heavily rotated Aston Villa side, things look very bleak for the Hammers' Premier League status.
One point behind Tottenham - and Arsenal at home next. Spurs have an already-safe Leeds on the same weekend. We could be four points adrift with two games to play. We could be relegated within the next fortnight. It's a tragic state of affairs which will need one hell of an inquest if it happens.
But talk is already focused on who should be in charge if relegation is confirmed.
Reports this weekend suggest West Ham really want to keep Nuno Espirito Santo in his post, regardless of what happens. Some reports say Nuno is also keen on staying on. Others claim he's undecided.
Whatever the truth, it's hard to look past Nuno as the perfect manager for West Ham in this moment. He was promoted with Wolves at then finished seventh in the Premier League in consecutive seasons. He has a history of bringing a club up and then re-establishing them in the top flight.
He guided Nottingham Forest to European football in a season when they were one of the favourites to go down. The Portuguese knows what it takes and that's what West Ham need. We need to bounce straight back and then stay in the top flight.
Some fans are calling for Scott Parker, and while I get the very obvious sentiment, I can't see it being a good long-term appointment for West Ham.
Parker was promoted with Fulham and relegated the following season. He then took Bournemouth to the Premier League, only to lose his job just four games into the next season after a 9-0 defeat by Liverpool. Now he's taken Burnley up, only to suffer relegation at the first time of asking.
Parker is a top second-tier manager but has proven at three different clubs he doesn't have what it takes at the top level.
Meanwhile, we have a manager with a track record of doing what we desperately need a manager to do. That's why Nuno is perfect - if we go down, that is.
Hopefully, he can form a miracle before then...
Do you agree that Nuno is "the perfect manager" if the Hammers end up being relegated? If not, who would you bring in instead?
"A couple of weeks ago, I thought Tottenham were literally doomed," Given explained on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club. "I thought they were gone.
"It is amazing what one set of fixtures can do because us 'experts' are now saying it looks like West Ham are doomed.
"But they have been in this position all season, they know exactly what they need to do, and they have been fighting for their lives.
"Tottenham got a great result [against Aston Villa] but that doesn't mean they can just turn the tap on now. Things don't just change after one result.
"I think there are still a few twists and turns to come, and I think it is still too early to call who's going to go down."
How many points will be needed this season?published at 09:24 BST 5 May
09:24 BST 5 May
Keifer MacDonald BBC Sport journalist
Since the Premier League became a 20-team format in 1995, the average number of points needed for safety has been 36.
But that will not be enough this time around given that West Ham have already reached that tally and currently occupy the third and final relegation place.
According to data experts Opta, the Hammers are now favourites (77.71%) to be relegated, with Tottenham at 22.03% and Nottingham Forest just 0.13%.
If the three sides continue picking up points at their current rate, then it will be the Hammers who are relegated to the second tier for the first time since 2011.
The 2023 Conference League winners are averaging 1.03 points per game, which would mean they finish the season on 39 points.
Tottenham's return of 1.06 points per game puts them on course to finish on 40 points, while Forest are on track to secure safety for a fourth consecutive season by earning a tally of 46 points.
In a relegation battle like no other, will the Premier League have one final shock in store?
Can Nuno convey positive message?published at 11:32 BST 4 May
11:32 BST 4 May
Image source, Getty Images
Former West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker says the Hammers will get the "right results" if they keep playing like they are, despite Saturday's damaging 3-0 defeat at Brentford.
West Ham offered enough as an attacking force against the Bees to suggest they can still avoid relegation, hitting the woodwork three times and having a goal narrowly ruled out for offside, but poor defending will give Nuno Espirito Santo concerns before next weekend's visit of league leaders Arsenal.
"I've been in a relegation scrap in my career and I think you look at West Ham and momentum and performances have been there, which is a massive thing," Reo-Coker told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
"The belief they can win games or get points out of them has been clear.
"This weekend, the result doesn't reflect the performance. Now for me it's up to Nuno to convey to the players that they did not get the result but the performance was still there to keep that belief and momentum going into the next run of fixtures.
"If they play like that then they will get the right results. That's how I look at it.
"The killer incident against Brentford was when they have away that cheap penalty. That was the turning point where the game really got away from them.
"That is the type of mistake you can't make. But, they still had opportunities to score, hit the post a few times, and didn't take their chances when they got them.
"When you're in that relegation fight it's about the mindset. That's what a good manager would take from that game for West Ham and say, 'bad day at the office today but look at all the positives'.
"It can still go right down to the wire. There are still games and they are still in it."
Has the West Ham 'feel-good factor' been 'popped'?published at 11:05 BST 4 May
11:05 BST 4 May
Chris Wise Final Score reporter
Image source, Getty Images
After watching West Ham United win against Everton a week ago, I quietly considered that they had the character to survive this season.
But, having seen them lose at Brentford on Saturday, I have somewhat retreated from that thought process.
Let's be clear, West Ham would have won at Gtech Community Stadium on another day. They created more than enough chances and it is actually genuinely baffling that they didn't score at all.
But having been forthright in the first half, they lost their way after half-time.
The penalty they conceded was the start of a number of moments of ill-discipline, culminating in conceding a third goal which wasn't a good look for the Hammers' defence.
There was a feeling leaving the stadium that the feel-good factor Nuno Espirito Santo's side had built up had been popped, but we won't know how true that is until they face Arsenal next weekend.
Get a positive result in that game and the perception changes dramatically again.
Ian: Another three points on the board. Also, Josh Dasilva is back on the pitch! What an ovation when he came on as a substitute. Brentford are still in there, despite some doubters at the start of the season - but those were not supporters. Come on, you Bees.
Jerry: We took our chances with a thing of beauty from Mikkel Damsgaard, but West Ham thankfully were profligate in front of goal, which is why they are in a relegation scrap with Spurs, and we still have a chance of a first European jaunt. However, do we really want one? I would prefer to have another good next season as opposed to fighting on two fronts. Thankfully, that decision lies with Matthew Bentham and not yours truly.
Paul: We've played much better and lost, such is the competitive nature of the Premier League. So, this was a welcome win, the bonus being the long-awaited return of Dasilva - a true Brentford legend. He's been with us during our rise up the leagues. He's had his injury problems, but the club have consistently stood by him. I hope to see many more of those trademark goals of his where he cuts in from the right and curls it into the top left-hand corner.
Tim: Nearly as entertaining as the game at Old Trafford. Against Manchester United we should really have got something, but we got nothing. West Ham deserved at least a point, but walked away without it. Nice to remember what winning feels like, at least.
West Ham fans
Gary: As the fans have been saying for years now, Sullivan and Brady's complete mismanagement of this club is now coming to its natural conclusion. Relegation, with an average squad and a rented athletics stadium.
Joe: West Ham had some chances to make the game interesting, unlucky on some, but have to do better defending. Diouf looking off, maybe getting his head turned with rumours. Have to rely on other results going our way.
Graham: It pains me to say this - but yet another abject performance that demonstrates why West Ham are no longer a Premier League team and, in truth, haven't been since David Moyes left the club. The team have needed a statement win or two to provide momentum that hasn't been delivered by the 'scrape by' wins in the past two months. Don't blame Nuno - he has inherited a team with only a fleeting desire to win from a group of players who will be largely sold off at a loss to other Premier League teams when West Ham are relegated. Where is the poetic justice in that?
Dave: It's all over, relegation is coming. Sullivan out, so we can have half a hope of returning sometime.
'West Ham fans should be really concerned' - Rooneypublished at 07:32 BST 4 May
07:32 BST 4 May
Five-time Premier League champion Wayne Rooney has criticised relegation-threatened West Ham United's "appalling defensive display" in their 3-0 defeat by Brentford.
The Hammers have shipped 61 goals in 35 Premier League games this season, a record only beaten by already-relegated sides Burnley (71) and Wolves (63).
When analysing the game on Match of the Day, ex-England captain Rooney said: "West Ham's defending was shocking. When you're trying to stay in the Premier League, you can't concede goals the way they did.
"It was an appalling defensive display. If I was those West Ham fans, I would be really concerned after seeing that performance."
Have West Ham given Tottenham an escape route?published at 12:15 BST 3 May
12:15 BST 3 May
Matthew Howarth BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
When Tomas Soucek's effort grazed the post in the final stages of West Ham United's defeat at Brentford on Saturday afternoon, their supporters could've been forgiven for exchanging exasperated looks.
The 3-0 scoreline at Gtech Community Stadium may point to a comfortable victory for Keith Andrews' Europe-chasing side, but it tells only half the story.
Victory would have lifted West Ham five points clear of the bottom three, but instead they have left the door ajar for Tottenham to leapfrog them with victory at Aston Villa on Sunday night.
The Hammers currently remain two points above Spurs, but Roberto de Zerbi's side have a game in hand and are nine goals healthier in terms of goal difference.
"We had chances, we hit the post twice, we hit the bar and we hit the post again," captain Jarrod Bowen told Sky Sports. "It's really disappointing. We had good opportunities.
"On another day we would have got the win. We have done a lot of good things."
But if Tottenham win at Villa Park, it would leave them in the driving seat - just - to avoid the drop.
It would also leave West Ham hoping for a result against title-chasing Arsenal, who are six points clear at the top of the table and have plundered 11 goals on their previous two league visits to London Stadium.
After facing Aston Villa, Tottenham's next game is at home to a Leeds United side who have lost their past five league meetings against the north London club.
So although the form book often means little as the battle for survival reaches its climax, Brentford's win could prove pivotal for West Ham and Spurs.
In an interview on West Ham United's website, external, Nuno Espirito Santo urged his players to respond against Arsenal and called on the fans to play their part.
"Let's realise that how we react from a bad day is going to keep us alive in this [relegation] fight," the head coach said.
"We have been asking our fans for their support and our fans are giving back. They are disappointed with us [after this result], but we need them more than ever."
Brentford 3-0 West Ham: What Nuno saidpublished at 20:14 BST 2 May
20:14 BST 2 May
Media caption,
West Ham must react and perform better in final games - Nuno
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I stand here honest and trying to speak to you about what I saw. Brentford is a very good team but the way we react and play the first half, hitting the post, having a goal disallowed for a tight margin, it gives us hope at half-time. But the penalty hurts us and after that is becomes an old situation with the rush.
"But it's up to us how we react from a tough loss today. [The penalty] it hurt us, it goes against what we wanted in the half-time talk. It's unfortunate we conceded from a penalty, it could be avoided.
"It's up to us how we will react from the situation and noise. Let's stick together. We have three games to go. It will go down to the wire, the last game. We have to stick together."
Did you know?
West Ham have failed to score in three consecutive Premier League away games for the first time since April 2019 under Manuel Pellegrini (3).
The Hammers have named the same starting XI for four consecutive Premier League games for the first time since September/October 2023 (5).
Analysis: Naive Hammers pay pricepublished at 17:34 BST 2 May
17:34 BST 2 May
Matthew Howarth BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
West Ham offered enough as an attacking force to suggest they can avoid relegation, but their naive defending could prove costly.
While Konstantinos Mavropanos was unfortunate to see his attempted clearance go into his own net, a rush of blood to Mads Hermansen's head could easily have resulted in Brentford's second.
The Dane was left in no-man's land after charging out of his penalty area midway through the first half and was relieved to see Mikkel Damsgaard steer the ball wide.
El Hadji Malick Diouf rash challenge on Dango Ouattara gifted Brentford another opportunity to double their advantage. He was nowhere near getting a touch on the ball, and whether he needed to slide in is up for debate.
That said, Nuno Espirito Santo's team created enough opportunities to make the scoresheet - or even escape with a point.
Taty Castellanos was desperately unlucky not to find the target before half-time, striking a post twice and having a fierce effort tipped over the crossbar by Caoimhin Kelleher.
A marginal offside call denied Mavropanos a first-half equaliser, while Crysencio Summerville's late effort almost crept under the bar.
