**In the dramatic climax to the thriller that is West Ham’s 2025/26 campaign, the Irons must rely on former boss David Moyes to stay in the Premier League.**
Tottenham Hotspur’s 2–1 loss to Chelsea on Tuesday night means that the Hammers still have the slightest chance of surviving the drop.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s side must beat Leeds at home on Sunday to stay up. However, they must also hope that Everton beat Spurs at the same time.
It is a fascinating situation for West Ham fans, as the Toffees are managed by David Moyes, the Hammers boss who guided them to UEFA Conference League glory in 2023.
Over the last few years, the Scot’s 2024 departure from the club has been the most widely discussed topic among West Ham fans.
The decision not to offer Moyes a new deal at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, when his contract expired, is still the most polarising West Ham move of the last decade.
Regardless of where you stand on that debate, it cannot be argued that things have gotten worse at the London Stadium since May 2024. Three managers later, the Irons face relegation for the first time in fifteen years.
However, there is still a small glimmer of hope. But Moyes’ Everton – who have nothing to play for now – must also play their part.
One can only speculate what the former Hammers boss will say to his players before they play their last game of the season. Moyes enjoyed success with the Irons, but left on rocky terms.
He generally spoke well of the fans and board, but both of those parties played their part in tarnishing the relationship between Moyes and the club.
As for his team, they won’t be particularly motivated by the occasion. But Newcastle showed West Ham on Sunday that you can still pull a big performance out of the bag, even when you have nothing to play for.
Granted, Nuno’s side made it easy for the Magpies – hopefully he has learned from his mistakes and brings a proactive approach to Sunday’s game – but this Everton team has shown fight and spirit under Moyes this season.
The biggest issue for West Ham is that Everton need to go and win at Spurs – not even a draw would do. Roberto De Zerbi’s side are winless at home in 2026, but they don’t even need to pick up three points to survive.
If a miracle does occur on Sunday and the Irons stay up, I think it will put most of the Moyes talk to bed and he will ascend to the elite status of “club great” … but I’m personally preparing myself for disappointment.
Ultimately, West Ham haven’t done enough themselves to stay up. But stranger things have happened. The fact that one of Moyes’ greatest West Ham moments could occur in 2026 as Everton boss is quite amazing – and I really hope it happens.