West Ham United is on the brink of relegation after a 3-1 loss to Newcastle United on Sunday. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo admitted survival hopes are fading fast.
The defeat leaves West Ham two points below the safety zone with only one match remaining. If Tottenham Hotspur beats Chelsea on Tuesday, West Ham's relegation could be sealed before their final game against Leeds United.
Espirito Santo criticized his own tactics after starting with a back three, which led to Newcastle scoring twice in the first 19 minutes. "We had a big disadvantage because we conceded two goals," he told Sky Sports. "Even though we tried to react, it was not enough."
Sports analytics company Opta now gives West Ham only a 6% chance of staying in the Premier League. Fans booed the team at full time. "Let's try to finish the season with dignity and respect for the club," Espirito Santo said.