Nearly impossible to catch Chelsea after West Ham loss, admits Spurs star Eric Dier

Christian Eriksen and Eric Dier look dejected

Eric Dier admitted it is nearly mission impossible for Tottenham to catch Chelsea after a London derby defeat at West Ham.

Spurs had won nine on the spin before slumping to a 1-0 loss at their near neighbours to leave the Blues four points clear with a game in hand.

Two more victories will see Antonio Conte’s Blues crowned champions and they will look to secure the first of those on Monday night against Middlesbrough.

Chelsea could even clinch the crown before Tottenham next kick a ball as Conte’s men follow the Boro match with a trip to West Brom next Friday night.

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Dier told Sky Sports: “It was already going to be hard and now it’s even harder. It’s disappointing. We were on a fantastic run.

“They made it very hard for us, they played very deep and we didn’t create enough chances.

“We managed to bring it back to four points but after today, it’s nearly impossible, but we will give it everything for the last three games.”

West Ham guaranteed Premier League survival with this victory as they surpassed the traditionally crucial 40-point barrier.

Captain Mark Noble felt his team were full value for the win and hopes it eases some of the pressure on Hammers manager Slaven Bilic.

He told BBC Sport: “What a game to be safe in. I said beforehand we needed to be 100 per cent and that’s what we got.

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“Spurs are a top team, I think they’ll be the team to beat in a few years. But we were magnificent tonight.

“I’m so proud of the boys. Everyone dug in and supported each other. We’ve had a lot of stick this year, a lot of it warranted. We’re a good team, but we haven’t always shown it.

“Now we’re safe, if we get some more points we can finish only one or two places below where we were last year.

“Slaven Bilic has my full backing. He’s a great man.”