In another world, where West Ham and Tottenham looked less like they had thrown in the towel – more specifically, thrown it into their suitcases alongside their flip-flops and novelty linen shirt – there would be three kingmakers who could decide the title race and the relegation battle this season.

Perhaps that’s unfair to both sides. West Ham United claimed a 2-2 draw against Liverpool the weekend before last, after all, while Spurs will be feeling the pressure on their Europa League place after four straight defeats.