Final day scenario of former West Ham boss David Moyes helping to save his old club when Everton head to Spurs cannot be discounted believes former Hammers defender and coach Stuart Pearce
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 25: West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo celebrates with Callum Wilson and Taty Castellanos during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Everton at London Stadium on April 25, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Stuart Pearce insists West Ham are back “in the mix” for Premier League survival.
Former Hammers defender Pearce believes his former club are capable of winning both their final games - and sending Tottenham down. West Ham travel to Newcastle this weekend and then face Leeds on the final day while Spurs have got Chelsea next Tuesday and Everton on the final day.
There are only two points in it between the two London rivals but, from a position where Tottenham looked on course for survival, it is back in the balance.
West Ham lost to Arsenal on Sunday but Tottenham failed to take advantage and were held by Leeds on Monday night in a game they could easily have lost.
Pearce, who also had a spell as former West Ham boss Davis Moyes’ assistant, said: “They held in a game which I thought Arsenal would win comfortably but West Ham showed what they can do. It was a really tight game.
“West Ham have got to win both games and keep their fingers crossed that other things help them. You never know. But West Ham and Spurs are back in the mix. But they are playing with decent spirit now. Their form is not too bad. But as I say, the start of the season has been what has been very costly for West Ham.”
West Ham’s London Stadium has never been popular with the majority of home fans while Tottenham’s form at their own stadium has been the reason they are in such a mess. Tottenham have yet to win at home in the Premier League in this calendar year. There is a scenario where, if the battle goes to the final day, it could be Everton boss Moyes who could end up saving his old club West Ham. The Toffees are good on the road and Spurs are awful at home.
But Pearce insists that, despite everything, West Ham fans just want to be entertained - and there should be no complaint about that.
Stuart Pearce of West Ham United appeals to referee during the FA Carling Premiership match between Ipswich Town and West Ham United at Portman Road, Ipswich
Psycho: Former West Ham warrior Stuart Pearce(Image: Phil Cole/ALLSPORT)
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Pearce said: “Listen, in my time at West Ham people would talk about the stadium, the stadium this and the stadium that.
“But when the fans have something to shout about, that place gets going. I saw it in the European games, their European run and it is there make no mistake about it. They just need to be entertained and enthralled by people on the football pitch.”
Pearce also believes that West Ham have got the players and spirit to survive as he singled out Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek as being vital in their fight. Pearce said: “Over the season, he’s been a real bonus and, to be fair, I was there when David Moyes brought him through the door and Tomas Soucek in as well.
“Those two have got work ethic, they’ve got the club at heart and everything else. They can hold their heads high.”
Meanwhile, Pearce is hoping his beloved Nottingham Forest can finally build again after securing their Premier League status on the back of a chaotic season.
Pearce added: “If you have had four managers in a season, something isn’t right. It’s inherently wrong. Far from ideal. The players’ performances have been very start and top. They’ve hit some highs there’s no doubt about that but hit some lows as well.
“They have to look at themselves as well. There’s talent in there, no doubt about that. The key to that is holding on to one or two of these key players. I’m talking about Elliot Anderson who has alerted a lot of top clubs, I would suggest, with his performances because I think he’s been outstanding.
“Listen, semi final of a European competition has been good and I think they’ve come up against the team who I think will go on to win it and they eventually knocked them out. Listen, it’s an interesting one. They can rebuild again from the Premier League which is good at least.”
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Pearce has been a long term support of the Pitching In programme which promotes and supports fitness and exercise to improve mental health. It is something he is passionate about and was at non-league Grays Athletic this week.
He said: “I’ve been working as an ambassador and Grays have got an initiative to help people come together, do some coaching and the funding has backed that.
“This was set up during Covid and so when everything was shut down so I’ve been involved for about six years and anything we can do around mental health - with fitness especially - will be nice. And I might join in myself! Exercise helps so much. It’s crucial.”