West Ham fans taunted David Sullivan on the final day of the season, as the club's relegation was confirmed. Despite a 3-1 victory over Leeds United at the London Stadium, the Hammers were condemned to the Championship after Everton failed to secure a point at Tottenham Hotspur.
Everton's Survival Ends West Ham's Hopes
Everton, who have spent nearly 30 years letting their own fans down, chose Sunday to disappoint supporters of almost every other Premier League club. David Moyes had one big chance to end a season that promised much on a high, but instead, while Leeds held up their end of the bargain by letting West Ham steamroller them, the Toffees couldn't manage a shot on target at Tottenham until the ninth minute of added time. Even then, Tyrique George's late drive was saved by Antonin Kinsky, and João Palhinha had already given Spurs a one-goal lead. Spurs are safe, and it was further evidence that many fans are simply not allowed to have nice things.
De Zerbi's Relief and Plans
Roberto De Zerbi, who took over seven games ago and successfully kept Spurs up, singled out a Tottenham beat reporter he felt had been too negative. "Where is he?" he asked. "The one who is always at the training ground. He was negative, and I'm positive. But I want to hug him, not fight." De Zerbi emphasized that Sunday's win was more important than last season's Bigger Vase victory over Manchester United. "I think we deserve to stay up, because we made 11 points in seven games," he said. "From tonight, we have to start to organize and build the new team."
West Ham's Rebuilding Task
West Ham must now organize and build a new team. Nuno Espírito Santo remains in charge for now, but a meeting with the board on Monday could decide his fate. The squad is likely to lose standout player Jarrod Bowen, and the club will try to offload high-earning underperformers to recoup some of the £105m spent after Declan Rice's sale. Much of that money was wasted on players like Kilman, Pablo, and Todibo.
Financial Woes
West Ham owed £196m in unpaid transfer fees at the end of 2025, according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire. "Those instalments have to be paid on a year-by-year basis," he said. "You do wonder where the cash is to pay them over the next 12 months." If they follow Luton and Leicester's path down to League One, things could get even tighter.
Quote of the Day
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente confirmed that no Real Madrid players are in his Geopolitics World Cup squad. "I don't look at where players come from or their background. What matters are Spanish players who are proud to represent their country," he said.
Letters
Phil Taverner admitted he was wrong to mock Granit Xhaka's move to Sunderland. Steve Plever, a fan from North Carolina, thanked UK supporters for making football what it is, despite the financial control. "To those of you who are there for every match, even in the rain and cold, yes, I'm jealous, but mostly I want to thank you," he wrote.
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