West Ham United: European qualification is a must at London Stadium as new demand emerges
Frank McAvennie has insisted West Ham should be higher in the Premier League than they are given the quality of players they have in their squad.
The former Hammers man shared his view that the club has got to qualify for a European competition again this season given the lack of competition for the top places.
He went on to explain that some of the sloppy dropped points at stages this season could be crucial to their final tally and league position.
McAvennie – speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone – fumed at some of the disappointing results the Hammers have suffered, including losing both home and away against Fulham.
“They’ve got to get into Europe,” McAvennie insisted.
“There are teams fighting for Europe that are not better than West Ham, so that’s… If there were six teams fighting all better than West Ham you’d say fair play, but they should be higher than they are.
“Some of the defeats like twice against Fulham, you think wow I didn’t see that coming, but they should still be fighting for Europe because they’ve got good enough players.
“I think there have been a few games we could’ve won or drawn and we were beaten. Those points could make a big difference at the end of the season.”
West Ham must do better as European qualification demand emerges
West Ham are currently in eighth place in the Premier League, one position below the minimum seventh place to qualify for the Europa Conference League – which is currently occupied by Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United side.
With just two points separating the Hammers from Newcastle in sixth – which would see them qualify for the Europa League – David Moyes’ team have got to start showing more consistency and prove they belong in Europe.
Winning the Conference League was a great step forward for the club, and to follow that by reaching a Europa League quarter-final has shown that they belong at the top level. They must now prove it by pipping their rivals to qualify.
Given the inconsistencies and criticism both Man United and Newcastle have experienced this season, it is to be expected that they will slip up at least one more time before the season ends.
Moyes must take advantage of that and ensure they win their remaining games to put the Hammers in with the best chance of making Europe. That starts with a visit to Crystal Palace on 21 April.
In other West Ham news, a Crystal Palace duo have been ruled out for the season.
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