Martin Keown casts doubt over West Ham United 2022/23 Premier League campaign
Martin Keown has played down West Ham United’s chances of securing a European place in the 2022/23 Premier League season.
The Hammers have kicked off the season with back-to-back Premier League defeats but did manage to beat Viborg 3-1 in their Europa Conference League play-off.
However, Keown believes that the Conference League is their best route to European qualification next season after a tricky start to their Premier League campaign.
Talking on talkSPORT’s White&Jordan show [19 August, 10:11] Keown said: “I can see it being tough for them after a difficult start to the season.
“You look at the Conference League and think that might be their best way of securing a place in Europe next season. You’ve got Newcastle coming into the mix as well as Arsenal and Tottenham strengthening, so it’s difficult to see them getting into Europe.
“I don’t see them being in any kind of trouble, but to emulate what they’ve done in the past two seasons will be very difficult.”
Early days
West Ham always tend to be slow starters in the Premier League so patience is required from all involved at the London Stadium.
An opening fixture against Manchester City was always going to be a daunting test and a trip to the City Ground in Nottingham Forest’s first game back in the top-flight was hardly ideal.
How the Hammers came away from Forest without a point at the very least is remarkable after having a goal disallowed, missing a penalty, and hitting the woodwork numerous times.
The performance was certainly there for Moyes’ side, it was just meant to be for Steve Cooper’s men.
Keown is right in his assessment of Arsenal and Tottenham, but the Hammers should still fancy themselves to compete with the likes of Newcastle for that sixth spot.
Manchester United are in complete disarray with a top ten finish now looking like a successful one for Erik ten Hag’s side.
There is a long way to go in the campaign, and the Hammers know that a couple of wins will put them right back amongst the European spots.
A couple more additions could see Moyes’ men well placed to make an assault on the top half of the table as talks resume with Chelsea left-back Emerson Palmieri according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth (via Twitter, 19 August)