Sunday’s game between the two London clubs was arguably the most significant game of the season
This season has seen a thrilling and memorable relegation battle but it is now set to end. Arsenal’s 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday confirmed Premier League survival for both Nottingham Forest and Leeds United.
The result leaves only West Ham and Tottenham battling to avoid joining already relegated Burnley and Wolves in the Championship next season, but Spurs have a significant advantage.
Forest moved seven points clear of the relegation zone earlier in the day after drawing 1-1 with Newcastle. Leeds, meanwhile, secured safety without playing this weekend and remain 16th ahead of Monday’s game against Spurs.
West Ham believed they had earned a stoppage-time equaliser against Arsenal through Callum Wilson, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review.
Referee Chris Kavanagh overturned the decision after being advised to review an incident involving Pablo and David Raya. The West Ham player was judged to have fouled the Arsenal goalkeeper by raising an arm across his neck.
Had the goal stood and the match finished level, Forest and Leeds could still have been mathematically relegated, although a major swing in goal difference would have been required.
Forest manager Vitor Pereira said before the Arsenal-West Ham match that he would avoid following the result after his side’s draw with Newcastle.
“This is a conversation we had before the game – we cannot control other results,” Pereira said. “I do not want to watch the game, because I suffer with my team, I cannot suffer with other teams.
“I believe that we can win more points; that we can get more points. It is eight games unbeaten and that is not easy in the Premier League.”
Forest still face Manchester United and Bournemouth before the end of the season.
Leeds, who won promotion from the Championship last season under Daniel Farke, have now avoided an immediate return to the second tier. Sunderland are the other promoted side to secure survival this season. The 2/3 rate is much welcome news for the league and Championship teams after the previous two seasons saw all promoted teams relegated straight away.
Leeds still have matches remaining against Brighton and West Ham after Monday’s clash with Spurs. West Ham travel to Newcastle next weekend, while Tottenham face Chelsea before ending their campaign at home to Everton.
