West Ham United didn’t fare much better, falling by the same scoreline to Fulham. This loss now sees them sit 18th in the Premier League and increases the reality of relegation deeply. The clash at the London Stadium, which has become almost universally known as the ‘Cockney Care Home’, was West Ham’s sixth straight defeat in London derbies this season. With only 13 points from 18 league games, West Ham faces a dire situation reminiscent of their disastrous 2010-11 campaign when they finished bottom with the same tally.
The home team were aiming to elevate themselves up the table by reducing the deficit to only two points from 17th-placed Nottingham Forest. Sadly, they lost key opportunities and weren’t able to seize the moment. In many ways, the defeat exposed cracks that were already present in the squad. They lack any defensive integrity and continue to be wasteful goal at the other end.
A Disappointing Performance
West Ham came into this match on a seven-game winless streak and the pressure was certainly being felt. Their last clean sheet was in August, and their defensive fragility was evident once again. A costly mistake by Ollie Scarles led to Fulham’s winning goal, further compounding the team’s woes.
Even after their misfire of a first half, West Ham continued to make chances at an alarming rate for Spurs. Jarrod Bowen had an opportunity in the 65th minute but failed to convert, steering his shot wide from Magassa’s pull-back. Callum Wilson had a golden chance to double the lead in the 70th minute. Sadly, as he attempted to burst through on goal, he pulled his shot clean wide.
“When you don’t score, the situation that we are in, everything bad happens to us.” – Nuno Espirito Santo
The team’s struggles in finding the back of the net would prove most damning. Or even the fact that they were offside seven times against Fulham. That’s their joint-most since March 2016 and a sign of the disconnect in their attacking activity.
Historical Context and Consequences
The current season has been the hardest on West Ham so far. Their maximum point total on the season has only been 13 points. That’s the least number of points they’ve accumulated since the 2010-11 season, which concluded with their demotion from the top flight. The team has lost seven of their nine league home games this season, marking 2025 as one of the worst years in terms of home performance with 11 Premier League losses.
Moreover, West Ham has become the first team since Fulham in the 2018-19 season to lose six consecutive London derbies in a single campaign. Their lack of form has seen them slip five points clear of safety, sending shockwaves through the fanbase and footballing analysts all over the world.
“What is my main concern? How to win a game. It’s what we think, it’s what we want, it’s what we work for, it’s what the boys try.” – Nuno Espirito Santo
The team’s performance against Fulham serves as a reminder of the uphill battle ahead as they strive to escape the relegation zone.
Looking Ahead
If West Ham are to make a success of their upcoming run of fixtures, they need to fix their defensive frailties, as well their finishing woes. Whatever the technicalities, Coach Nuno Espirito Santo acknowledged his team’s runaway momentum in the match. He was frustrated by their inability to turn opportunities into more goals.
“I felt the momentum was ours, we created situations.” – Nuno Espirito Santo
With crucial matches on the horizon, West Ham will need to regroup and find ways to secure points if they are to avoid repeating history from 2010-11. The need couldn’t be more urgent. Each game has the potential to be a major pivot in the club’s battle against relegation from the Premier League.
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