West Ham United top-four verdict shared as ‘define the narrative’ claim made
West Ham could signal their arrival as “surprise top-four contenders” this month, according to journalist Alex Keble.
The Hammers could equally, however, slip back down the Premier League table in the coming weeks, the journalist added.
The East London outfit are unbeaten from their first four Premier League matches, with three wins and one draw so far.
“There are five unbeaten teams, each with at least 10 points,” Keble wrote for the official Premier League website. “Some will fall away this month and are likely to see the optimism drain as they are absorbed back towards mid table.
“West Ham United, who must also contend with two UEFA Europa League matches, begin the period at home to Man City before playing Liverpool at Anfield, which is followed by consecutive home encounters with Sheffield United and Newcastle United.
“David Moyes has three very tough matches of the sort that will define the narrative. West Ham could dip back to their expected pre-season levels, or signal their arrival as surprise top-four contenders.”
Strong start
Much to the surprise of many within the game, the Hammers have enjoyed a superb start to the new season, and are just two points off league leaders Manchester City.
Moyes has guided his side to hugely impressive 3-1 wins against both Chelsea and Brighton, followed by a hard-fought 2-1 win against newly-promoted Luton Town.
Those three victories came after the opening day 1-1 draw away to Bournemouth, leaving the Hammers on 10 points from their four matches.
The difficulty levels will, however, rapidly increase in the coming weeks, with the club now having to balance their Premier League duties and their Europa League duties.
And there is even a League Cup tie to throw into the mix, with Moyes taking his men to Lincoln City in the third round of the competition later this month.
The man in the dugout will be hoping that he has done enough in the summer transfer window to build a squad big enough to compete on all fronts.
In other West Ham news, Rio Ferdinand has continued to question the international treatment of a Hammers duo.