Frank McAvennie bemoans injury issues at West Ham

We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…

Frank McAvennie believes the injury issues at West Ham were the source of the club’s failure to be in the hunt for a top-four finish on the final day of the season.

West Ham play Southampton at the London Stadium on Sunday in their last match of what has been a wonderful campaign.

While David Moyes and his men have seen their top-four bid fail in the last few weeks, the Irons could still finish sixth.

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As it stands, the Hammers are sixth in the table but if results go against them on Sunday, they could drop to seventh or, albeit unlikely, eighth.

McAvennie is thrilled with his former club’s season but is disappointed that injuries to Declan Rice, Michail Antonio and Angelo Ogbonna led to the Champions League charge falling to bits.

Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “It was a big blow when Declan got injured – it was a massive blow.

“Antonio had been out for a while too, they were the main two. Ogbonna was injured too when he was playing very, very well.

“Injuries cost them and it’s a shame.

“I didn’t think they’d be beaten by Everton and then to draw at Brighton, those points could have been the difference, they could have at least been in the fight.

“But it wasn’t to be and listen, it’s still been a great season for West Ham.”

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Moyes has done a wonderful job at the London Stadium, there’s absolutely no doubt about that.

Whether the Hammers win, draw or lose in front of their own fans on Sunday, it won’t take away from the fact that this campaign has been a huge success.

All we ask now is to finish above Tottenham and secure that Europa League spot.

Come on you Irons.

In other West Ham news, Gary Neville has shared a big claim about Manchester United and Jesse Lingard.

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