Fortune’s always hiding for West Ham and they have looked everywhere. However, can a recent run of form this season lead to bigger and better things for the East Londoners ahead of their Olympic Stadium move?
West Ham finished season 2013-14 in 13th position on 40 points after escaping the relegation zone due to successive victories in February.
The club and under threat manager Sam Allardyce lived to fight another day. Allardyce, throughout his managerial career, has constantly been criticised of playing long ball football, which was seen constantly throughout West Hams 2013-14 season. It lead to a significant shift in attitude against Allardyce among the fans as they held up banners and chanted for his sacking.
The British press and fans put the club under further scrutiny after pre-season defeats to Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC.
However, Allardyce and West Ham have thus far proved their critics wrong through a successful trade period and a successful start to the season, which has seen the claret and blue rise into the top six.
West Ham currently sit fifth on the Premier League table, just one point behind Manchester United who sit in fourth. The Hammers have only endured one loss in their last six games and after a scrappy 1-0 victory at home against a Newcastle side that had won five in a row, the bubbles machine has just about burst due to the overflowing excitement and optimism coming out of East London.
After quite a dismal previous season, West Ham went out aggressively in the transfer window and have recruited the likes of Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho, who through their flair and pace have assisted in the return of exciting football to Upton Park.
Loanee Alex Song has made an immediate impact on the team, creating a lot more composure and class in midfield. Inclusions such as Aaron Cresswell and Carl Jenkinson have also strengthened the West Ham defence, as well as the recent run of form of midfielder Stewart Downing, who received a call up to the English national team.
This season has enabled the Hammers to establish depth among the squad, a value that many clubs in the Premier League lack. The players brought in by Allardyce and the club have enabled West Ham to compete neck and neck with some of Europe’s finest and have even caused significant upsets.
West Ham’s run of form this season has led to many fans declaring the ‘return of the West Ham way’ which has not been seen at Upton Park for decades. It has also led to a sense of belief among the players that they can succeed this season and quite possible qualify for a European competition.
The question, however, is whether the Hammers can continue the form they’re in and whether or not the depth in the squad will be enough if and when injuries hit. West Ham face a season defining month of football as their next few games are very winnable.
They have a chance to cement a solid place in the competition before Christmas. It is a very exciting time for the club and fans as it is believed that the West Ham way has returned.
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