Premier League

This is why all Tottenham fans will be watching West Ham United vs Arsenal on Sunday with a strange feeling

It’s a sporting dilemma that we occasionally see, with supporters from rival team wondering how to feel.

It’s a sporting dilemma that we occasionally see, with supporters from rival team wondering how to feel.
Andrew Couldridge
Calum Roche
Managing Editor AS USA
Sports-lover turned journalist, born and bred in Scotland, with a passion for football (soccer). He’s also a keen follower of NFL, NBA, golf and tennis, among others, and always has an eye on the latest in science, tech and current affairs. As Managing Editor at AS USA, uses background in operations and marketing to drive improvements for reader satisfaction.
Update:

Tottenham fans don’t usually spend their Sundays hoping for anything good to happen to Arsenal. But this weekend is rather different.

Why Spurs fans are supporting Arsenal

Spurs are hovering just above the relegation zone, and West Ham are right below them. That means Sunday’s clash between the Hammers and the north London rivals suddenly matters a lot more than just bragging rights. It’s about survival.

Here’s the awkward part: the result that helps Tottenham the most is an Arsenal win. That would give Spurs a bit of breathing room and maybe take a small amount of pressure off Monday’s game against Leeds.

But if West Ham pull off a win? Then everything flips. They would leapfrog Spurs, then leading them by two points, and suddenly Tottenham are kicking off with real danger staring them in the face. And the home fans can get nervy.

This is why all Tottenham fans will be watching West Ham United vs Arsenal on Sunday with a strange feeling
Tottenham Hotspur supporters.ADRIAN DENNIS

So yes, Spurs fans might find themselves doing something deeply uncomfortable: celebrating Arsenal goals. Quietly. Reluctantly. Maybe with the sound off.

Why Arsenal ‘want’ to do Spurs a favor

Of course, there’s another side to this. Every Arsenal win right now pushes them closer to the Premier League title. In fact, they know that nine points from the final three games guarantees it. So Gunners fans don’t want to help their city rivals survive but the long-awaited title is way more important.

This is why all Tottenham fans will be watching West Ham United vs Arsenal on Sunday with a strange feeling
Supporters of Tottenham.ADAM VAUGHAN

And Tottenham supporters are stuck choosing between their two painful outcomes: help their biggest rivals chase glory, or risk sliding back into a relegation fight. It’s the kind of sporting dilemma that makes you question everything.

For one afternoon, though, survival probably wins. Even if it means holding your nose and hoping Arsenal get the job done. Maybe some would accept a tie and sleep better at night.

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