Why Tottenham Hotspur Or West Ham United Must Be Relegated

BusinessSportsMoneyWhy Tottenham Hotspur Or West Ham United Must Be RelegatedByZak Garner-Purkis,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. An investigative journalist who also writes about European soccer.Follow AuthorApr 28, 2026, 05:06pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Randal Kolo Muani of Tottenham Hotspur (L) holds off Jean-Clair Todibo of West Ham United (R) during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 17, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)Visionhaus/Getty ImagesSince the Premier League was formed, the city of London has always had a stranglehold on the division.Maybe it’s not surprising that England’s biggest city would produce multiple teams competing in the top flight.After all, it already has some of the country’s biggest and most famous sides, like Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.And while trophies have often been won by clubs in the North of England, the Manchester giants or teams from Liverpool, the shifting demographics and underlying problems of wealth distribution in the UK have led to an increase in the concentration of London teams.As the Premier League grew, it became more cosmopolitan, and players were more likely to arrive from Brazil than Burnley. This new generation of international talent didn’t hold the same reverence for teams in Northern England and would often prioritise living in the bright lights of London.Investment in the UK tends to focus on the capital, and super wealthy individuals, much like the players, tend to be attracted to the South East.All of which meant that, in addition to traditional big players like Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, traditionally smaller teams have sustained some of the longest spells in their history in the top flight.Crystal Palace, for example,...