Tony Pulis not convinced on one thing about West Ham after what he's seen

West Ham United are living up to their billing as one of the favourites for automatic promotion.

The Hammers are just one point off top spot in the Championship after 11 games, losing just once in that time.

West Ham defeated table-toppers Swansea City 1-0 at the Swansea.com Stadium last time out, with Divine Mukasa scoring the winner.

That result left Nuno Espirito Santo's men just one point adrift of Vitor Matos' side, and in a strong position to challenge.

Moreover, the Irons have scored 30 league goals already this season, eight more than the next best in Middlesbrough.

Retired manager Tony Pulis, who oversaw 1,137 matches during his career, is not convinced about one thing, though.

Tony Pulis makes West Ham prediction after what he's seen

There was a big expectation on West Ham this season after the disappointment of relegation last term.

Despite the major upheaval during the summer, the Hammers were still fancied to dominate in the second tier.

Pulis, though, is not entirely convinced that Nuno's side are a cut above the rest of the league in the second tier.

He acknowledged that the Hammers have quality at both ends of the pitch, but does not see a clear gulf.

The former Stoke City and Crystal Palace manager does think West Ham will be promoted back to the top flight, though.

Speaking with Mick McCarthy on The Managers podcast, Pulis said: "I’ve watched West Ham a couple of times and they haven’t been over convincing in respect to the game and control of the games.

“But they’ve won games. They’ve got that little bit of quality at both ends of the pitch which you need; you need to keep clean sheets, you need to score goals and they are doing that.

“But have I been absolutely convinced that they are a step above everything and everybody else? I am not so sure at the moment.

“I think hand on heart they will get promoted, but are they that much better than the rest of the Championship teams? I’m not so sure.”

Proof will be in the pudding at West Ham

Ultimately, it doesn't matter whether West Ham are noticably better than the rest of the league.

What does matter is whether they can be good enough to finish above at least 44 other teams and earn automatic promotion.

You don't get rewards for style in football, as Pulis should know better than anyone.

You get rewards for winning football matches, and right now West Ham are in a strong position to contend.

There is an awful lot of football left to play admittedly, but you also sense there is another gear for this side to reach.