“From conquering Europe to the drop from the Premier League? ": The possibility of Tottenham and West Ham being relegated feels stronger than ever
- Anweshan Ghosh
- 22 hours ago
- 4 min read
Relegation battles in the Premier League are usually fought between newly promoted clubs and the smaller clubs with a limited budget. However, once in a while we have witnessed certain clubs getting relegated that left the footballing world shocked.
This season seems to be one of those few seasons when two big clubs are staring down at possible relegation to the Championship after conquering Europe recently. Even the idea of big London-based clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United getting mentioned in relegation conversations is shocking itself.
Both the clubs have consistently established themselves in the top half of the Premier League, even competing in European competitions consistently. Tottenham have been backed financially and have regularly finished top six, even reaching the 2019 Champions League final against all odds. The Lilywhites also ended their trophy drought by lifting the UEFA Europa League last season.
Similarly, West Ham lifted the UEFA Conference League in 2023, and since then they've built a squad that is capable of competing in Europe. However, poor form, managerial instability and fragile squad depth have led these two big clubs towards the bottom half of the table.
For these two clubs, getting relegated would not only result in a sporting failure but also a huge shock for the Premier League. These two clubs are among the most supported clubs from London alongside Chelsea and Arsenal.
They have built top stadiums with top-notch facilities to facilitate their ambitions. Getting relegated to the Championship would result in huge financial losses from loss of broadcasting revenue, and almost every star player would depart the club, resulting in a huge mess.
One thing that is clear is the sheer competitive nature of the Premier League, and no club should take their ‘elite’ status for granted. The English top flight has seen one of the most shocking relegations in football history, and if Tottenham or West Ham end up going down, they would surely be joining that list of shocking downfalls.
The most shocking relegations the Premier League has ever witnessed
West Ham United (2002-03)
West Ham United have already featured on this list and could do it yet again if they end up getting relegated this season too.
The Irons’ 2002-03 squad was too talented, and the thought of them getting relegated back then didn't even cross anyone's mind. They had players like Paolo di Canio, Michael Carrick, Jermain Defoe and Joe Cole.
However, despite ending the season with 42 points, they went down to the Championship. At that time, that was the highest points ever recorded by a relegated team. Defensive instability and a poor run of results proved costly for the Hammers’ as it ended up as one of the biggest shock relegations in the Premier League.
Leeds United (2003-04)
Leeds United, who were once one of the most formidable sides in the English top division, remain one of the most dramatic downfalls a club has ever gone through.
Three years prior, Leeds had reached the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League and were one of the most exciting teams from England. However, the club went through financial difficulties, due to which they had to sell key players, which led to their decline.
Following that, their sporting project went into shambles, and in 2004 the club that challenged clubs across Europe went down to the Championship and remained in exile for a long period.
Newcastle United (2008-09)
The relegation of Newcastle United in 2009 is one of the most shocking relegations in Premier League history.
The Magpies are one of the biggest and most supported clubs in England, and their squad featured icons of the game like Michael Owen. Club legend Alan Shearer even took charge as interim manager to save the season, but it was too late already.
The club went through managerial instability during that period, and that led to a series of poor results that pushed them down to the Championship, which sent shockwaves to the Premier League.
Leicester City (2022-23)
The fall of Leicester City needs to be studied, as they are one of the few teams that lifted the league title to have gone down.
Seven years prior, the Foxes lifted the Premier League title, regularly began to compete in the Champions League and also lifted the 2021 FA Cup, beating Chelsea in the final.
However, poor recruitment and financial backing from the owners and managerial instability dragged them down to relegation in 2023. The club that scripted football’s greatest underdog story fell so badly that they are now sitting in the relegation zone of the Championship.
Manchester United (1973-74)
The most shocking relegation from the English top division remains the relegation of Manchester United back in 1974.
Having won the European Cup, which is now known as the Champions League, just six years prior, the Red Devils were relegated from the top flight. This decline came following the retirement of legendary boss Sir Matt Busby, as the team couldn't cope without him until Sir Alex Ferguson took charge of the side.
Although the club bounced back to great heights soon, their relegation back then was surely the most shocking relegation in English football history.
Comments