Aston Villa go to West Ham waiting to pounce if Everton were to slip up.

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"This story never goes the way you think it's going to go, " Ham said.

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Just as they seemed to be on the verge of taking charge of the game, West Ham seemed to go off the boil and allow the visitors back into the match.

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"Nobody knows if this story will last until the 18th and 19th, if it will end this week, if it will go to Seattle or if it will go to Sacramento, " Ham said.

WSJ: Maloof brothers no longer Kings of Sacramento

And if you go across the river to Ham, only a matter of a few minutes walk away from Teddington, there is an island of council housing, cut-off from the commuter trains and upwardly-mobile cafe bars.

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Things got worse for West Ham when substitute John Pantsil had to go off with concussion after landing badly on the left side of his face.

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The relegation issues could go on after the last day of the season, with West Ham facing potential legal action over the signings of Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez.

BBC: Pardew admits Charlton frailties

Second-placed Manchester City will seek to cut that gap by beating third-placed Chelsea on Sunday, while Tottenham could go above the deposed European champions with victory at London rivals West Ham on Monday.

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Tevez's very presence in West Ham's side means the relegation battle could yet go into extra time after his goal at Manchester United capped a remarkable rush to safety by Alan Curbishley's side.

BBC: Tevez delivers final twist

"We believe the collaboration of West Ham, Newham and UKA gives the strongest opportunity for a vibrant sporting legacy that will go well beyond 2012, " said Warner.

BBC: UK Athletics supports West Ham Olympic stadium bid