David Moyes has cranked up the pressure on Tottenham Hotspur ahead of Sunday’s crunch Premier League finale after publicly declaring his desire to see West Ham United beat the drop — a revelation that makes clear where his sympathies lie as the season reaches its climax.

Addressing the media before Everton’s trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Moyes left little room for ambiguity, stating via The Spurs Express on X that he would love to keep West Ham in the league if he can.

The admission carries considerable weight given the Scotsman’s deep ties to the club. Moyes managed the Hammers across two separate stints, most recently from 2019 to 2024, and his affection for east London clearly endures. By going public with his allegiances, he has added an unmistakable edge to Everton’s motivation heading into the final day, suggesting something beyond mere professionalism is at play.

For Spurs, the implications are uncomfortable. Rather than meeting an Everton side with little to play for, Tottenham now face a team whose manager has an openly declared personal stake in the outcome. Whether Moyes can translate that emotional investment into a result capable of damaging Spurs’ survival hopes is another matter, but his words ensure Everton will arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with more than routine end-of-season indifference.

There is a certain irony at the heart of it all. Moyes invested years in transforming West Ham into a credible Premier League outfit, so his lingering loyalty is entirely understandable. Yet however invested the manager may be in the Hammers’ fate, it is far from guaranteed that his players will carry the same fervour onto the pitch when it matters most.

Tottenham’s fate remains in their own hands. A single point would be enough to confirm their top-flight status regardless of events elsewhere, while a win would settle the matter beyond any doubt. Even so, Moyes’ comments have ensured that what was already a nervy afternoon for Spurs supporters just got a little more fraught.