It's the hope we can't take...

Never mind minor events in north London. Just when we're getting used to embracing despair along come Chelsea to offer a glimmer of hope. After Tottenham's unexpected win at a woeful Aston Villa we feared the worst for Spurs' trip to Stamford Bridge. But thankfully they lost 2-1. It could have been different if Cucurella's late wrestling had resulted in a penalty but perhaps that's payback for the VAR decision not to penalise Rice or Trossard against Arsenal.

So now we have to beat Leeds and Spurs must lose at home to Everton. We couldn't could we? It's perhaps a 20 per cent chance of staying up. Leeds have several injuries and are safe, but even so we'd have to improve a lot on the Newcastle performance to win. 

We're relying on David Moyes doing us a massive favour and motivating his side to win at Spurs. But if Everton could get an early goal then the Spurs crowd would get very anxious — and they haven't won at home since December 6th. With Pickford in goal and big lumps like Tarkowski and O'Brien at the back and Beto up front, plus the skilful Dewsbury-Hall, there's some hope. Everton had a decent second half against us a few weeks ago.

But stop, this way madness lies. All West Ham can do is try to win. If we went down with 39 points we could at least claim to be slightly unlucky. It will soon be all over one way or another. Perhaps Spurs could oblige by sending over a spy to our training ground. Come on you Irons and Toffees! 

How serious is West Ham's Gomes bid?

The Guardian reports that West Ham have bid £20 million for Barcelona's Andre Gomes, who looked a really good player while on loan at Everton last season. Though rather worryingly the paper also writes that, "his representatives have made clear that his preferred outcome is a move to Goodison Park." 

Should we want a player who sees us as his second best choice? And is this just a ploy to make it look like West Ham are in the market for a top player whom the club is unlikely to get, which has happened in the past with the likes of Bacca and Batshuayi? If the Hammers are serious about getting Gomes then it will take £25m or more to sign him. Though if WHU could get him it would be quite a coup to beat the Toffees to his signature.