West Ham on brink of relegation, United's Fernandes equals assist record

MANCHESTER, May 17 : West Ham United slipped perilously close to relegation after a bruising 3-1 Premier League defeat at Newcastle United on Sunday, a result that leaves their survival hopes hanging by a thread.

Newcastle's William Osula struck twice and Nick Woltemade also scored, condemning West Ham to remain in 18th place on 36 points, two behind Tottenham Hotspur, who have a game in hand and can relegate the Hammers with a win over Chelsea on Tuesday.

At Old Trafford, Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes equalled the Premier League record for goal assists in a single season and Casemiro received a standing ovation in his last home appearance for the club as the hosts beat Nottingham Forest 3-2.

While in the battle for European places, Brighton and Hove Albion lost 1-0 at Leeds United and Everton lost 3-1 at home to Sunderland.

Brentford, bidding to play in Europe for the first time, drew 2-2 at home with Crystal Palace thanks to a brace from Dango Ouattara while Fulham also drew 1-1 at bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers.

WEST HAM'S PROBLEMS EVIDENT

West Ham's problems were evident early on, gifting possession in the 15th minute for Harvey Barnes to cross for Woltemade, who slotted home a side-footed finish. Four minutes later, Osula slid the ball through the goalkeeper's legs to double the lead.

Osula added his second in the 65th minute to all but seal the contest, though Valentin Castellanos briefly reignited hope with a superb strike four minutes later.

The Hammers must now wait on Chelsea's clash with Spurs, hoping for a lifeline ahead of their final-day meeting with Leeds United next Sunday.

"This is football," West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes told Sky Sports. "We need to be positive because we have one more game.