David Moyes heads into Everton’s final Premier League match knowing the result could decide West Ham’s survival. Everton host Tottenham on Sunday, while West Ham must beat Leeds United and also rely on Spurs losing. The scenario links Moyes’ current club and former side in a tense final day picture.
Moyes accepts that personal history with West Ham cannot outweigh Everton’s own targets. “I’d love to keep West Ham in the league if I can do, said Moyes. But it’s more important I get Everton that top-half finish and we get a few more million pounds because of our league position.”
Everton start the last round in 12th place, but the table remains tight around mid‑table. A higher finish would increase prize money, which Moyes links to summer planning. At the same time, West Ham’s fate could depend on Everton’s performance, adding extra interest for many neutral supporters.
The meeting with Tottenham comes against a complex backdrop of Premier League form. Everton have claimed only one win in their last 16 league away games against Spurs. That run includes four straight defeats with an aggregate score of 13-1. However, Tottenham also struggle at home, which creates some uncertainty.
{TABLE_1}
Spurs are without a win in 10 home league fixtures, drawing four and losing six in that sequence. It is the club’s second-longest home drought in league play. The only longer stretch came between October 1993 and April 1994, when Tottenham went 14 home league matches without a victory.
Beyond the immediate match, Everton’s final placing could influence the future of Jack Grealish. Moyes links extra funds to the chance of a permanent move for the Manchester City midfielder. Grealish has been on loan at Goodison Park this season and had a strong impact before injury.
Grealish has been directly involved in eight Premier League goals for Everton, scoring two and assisting six. The midfielder has not played since January after an ankle problem. Despite the absence, Moyes continues to speak positively about the player’s progress and value to the squad environment.
“Weve got a few plans in place. Finances will obviously play a big part in it so we will need to navigate round the best we can,” Moyes said. “Obviously we like Jack a lot. Weve looked after Jack all the time since his injury. Its looking in good order now, the surgeon speaks very well about it and thinks its healing greatly. Normally a player would go back to his parent club and be looked after from there, but we will continue doing our best for Jack. He is incredibly well liked inside and outside the building but ultimately he is not our player, he is Man Citys player. Weve had hm on loan for a year and I have to say weve enjoyed having him.”
The final day therefore carries several layers for Moyes and Everton. The club chase a top‑half Premier League finish, while West Ham’s safety could depend on events in north London. At the same time, decisions on Grealish and summer recruitment may be shaped by the outcome and resulting prize money.
Story first published: Saturday, May 23, 2026, 4:23 [IST]
About the Author
