Premier League GW38 reaction: Tottenham stay up after win v feeble Everton; West Ham relegated
Gameweek 38 of the Premier League took place on Sunday, which saw Tottenham Hotspur remain in the division for the 2026-27 season, and West Ham relegated to the Sky Bet Championship.
Both teams did pick up wins on the final day though, with Spurs bypassing a defeatist Everton 1-0 and West Ham steamrolling Leeds 3-0.
A relegation for Spurs would have been their first after 49 years in the top flight, while the Hammers’ descent to the Championship sees them leave the Premier League after 14 years.
Big players for the big occasion
Despite Spurs’ victory against Everton to stay up, the win was only their third at home all season - their first since December.
Boss Roberto De Zerbi, however, said that his side illustrated their ‘big personalities’ on the day to remain in the Premier League.
None more so than goalscorer on the day Joao Palhinha.
"Manic. We worked well,” De Zerbi told Sky Sports. “I am lucky because I have a lot of big players and big guys.
“You can see the game today and you can understand that with big pressure, they played a fantastic game with the ball. Not just to fight but with the ball.
"They played maybe my best game in my time. If they play the best game in my time, you can imagine how big the personalities of my players are."
Hammers drop with dignity
With West Ham Premier League staples for over a decade, the drop to the Championship will be nothing short of devastating for fans.
Ongoing reports of Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo leaving the club in the summer would not have put fans’ damaged hearts at ease either.
"For the respect we have for the supporters, it is not the moment to speak," Nuno said after his side’s win on Sunday, declining to comment on his future with the club.
"Out of respect for them, tomorrow will be a new one [day]."
"Tough day for us. We knew it would be difficult and we did our part but it did not happen,” he added.
Reflection on a sad exodus
"The moment is to just feel this sadness,” Nuno said of his side’s relegation.
“We had a tough mission and the boys tried it. I wish things could be different for our future but at least we finish with dignity.
"It doesn't take away the sadness. We did many good things but now it is tough to look back and analyse.
“I just spoke with the boys, we are all sad going through this period."
The Hammers last featured in the Championship in 2011/12 under Sam Allardyce.
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