Martin Keown, the former Arsenal player, has shared his views on West Ham United’s chances of avoiding relegation. In a discussion with Simon Jordan, a former owner of Crystal Palace, Keown revealed his contrasting perspective compared to many Arsenal fans regarding West Ham’s survival in the Premier League.
Keown’s Perspective on West Ham’s Relegation Battle
Keown noted that West Ham faces significant challenges ahead due to their remaining fixtures. They will play key London derbies against Crystal Palace, Brentford, and Arsenal, which are crucial for their survival. He emphasized that while many local fans desire West Ham’s relegation, he does not share that sentiment.
Upcoming Fixtures and Challenges
West Ham’s upcoming matches present a formidable challenge:
- Against Aston Villa, who are vying for a top-four finish.
- Away matches against Arsenal and Newcastle.
Despite Villa’s mixed form—having won only two of their last ten matches—Keown believes they are still a tough opponent. He pointed out that West Ham must navigate these difficult encounters to avoid dropping into the Championship.
Comparative Confidence in West Ham and Tottenham
Interestingly, Keown expressed more confidence in West Ham’s chances of survival compared to Tottenham’s prospects. He indicated that Spurs currently give him the least confidence, suggesting that West Ham could potentially escape relegation at the expense of their London rivals.
In summary, while the relegation battle intensifies, Keown remains supportive of West Ham and believes they still have the opportunity to turn their season around amid a challenging schedule.
