West Ham United find themselves mired in a frustrating cycle of inconsistency. As of February 2026, the Hammers sit precariously in 18th place with 23 points from 25 matches, a record of 6 wins, 5 draws, and 14 losses, and a goal difference of -17. This position puts them firmly in the relegation scrap, staring up at a cluster of teams that seem just out of reach. Despite occasional flashes of resilience—like their recent 2-0 away win over Burnley on February 7—the overall trajectory suggests West Ham are struggling to bridge the gap to the sides above them.
The teams ahead form a daunting barrier. Nottingham Forest occupy 17th with 26 points, Leeds United sit in 16th with 29 points, and Tottenham Hotspur are in 15th, also on 29 points but with a superior goal difference. Closing these gaps would require a sustained run of form that West Ham have yet to demonstrate. Their recent results give some hope despite a loss to Chelsea (3-2), but three inspiring wins against Sunderland (3-1), Tottenham (2-1) and Burnley. While they've shown they can grind out results against fellow strugglers, the consistency needed to overhaul multiple teams remains elusive. With tough fixtures looming, including Manchester United on February 10, the path upward looks steep.
If West Ham are to catch anyone in this mid-table morass, it's unlikely to be Leeds United. The Whites, back in the top flight after promotion, have defied expectations with a gritty, competitive edge. Currently on 29 points from 7 wins, 8 draws, and 10 losses, Leeds are six points clear of West Ham, buoyed by a recent 3-1 home victory over Nottingham Forest on February 6. Their form has been patchy—evidenced by a heavy 4-0 defeat to Arsenal on January 31—but they've proven capable of punching above their weight, especially against the league's elite.
Leeds' standout quality is their ability to rise to the occasion against top teams. In matches against the traditional "Big Six" (Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham), they've secured 1 win, 3 draws, and 4 losses, with a goal difference of -9. Notable scalps include a 2-1 home win over Chelsea (currently 5th with 43 points) and draws against Liverpool (2-2, 6th with 39 points) and Manchester United (1-1, 4th with 44 points). These results highlight a fearlessness that West Ham have often lacked in big games. Losses to Arsenal (0-5) and Manchester City (3-2) show vulnerabilities, but Leeds' knack for grinding out points against superior opposition keeps them afloat.
What fuels this resilience? Leeds boasts a squad brimming with youthful hunger and energy. Their average age hovers around 26-27 years, featuring promising talents like teenage midfielder Charlie Crew, 21-year-old loanee Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton, and 22-year-old winger Wilfried Gnonto. These players inject pace and dynamism, complementing experienced additions like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha. Star performers such as Daniel James and Joel Piroe add flair, with Piroe leading the scoring charts for Leeds this season. This blend of youth and ambition creates a team that's not just surviving but scrapping for every inch—qualities that make them a tough nut to crack for a faltering West Ham side, whose own squad average age is similarly around 26 years but has lacked the same spark until recently.
As the season progresses, West Ham's focus must shift to survival rather than ambitious climbs. Leeds, with their upset potential and vibrant core, appear poised to maintain their buffer. For the Hammers, catching the pack might require more than hope—it demands a transformation that's yet to materialize. Fans have romanticized a final week showdown against Leeds with the teams even in points, with win or else circumstance on the line. While West Ham will no doubt go into the final weekend needing every point they can get, it won't be dramatic. Instead, the Hammers need to find the points in the weeks leading up to the season's end and hope they can leap over any other team flirting with relegation. It just won't be Leeds.