West Ham secured a point at the weekend against Sunderland, which pushed them closer towards securing their Premier League status, but the Hammers will be disappointed with the result.
Having led twice in the North East, Slaven Bilic’s side had to share the points with a Sunderland outfit that are rooted to the bottom of the table and seem destined for relegation.
Whilst the draw saw West Ham extend their advantage over the relegation zone to nine points, Bilic’s side will feel they can do a lot better- especially as it was the Hammers’ seventh draw of the campaign.
Slaven Bilic has identified that not finishing off opponents when West Ham are in control has been a major issue this season, when writing for the club’s official website.
“Looking back on Saturday’s game, of course it is easy to feel disappointment as we were twice in the lead and looked comfortable for long periods in each half after we had scored.”
“However, allowing the other team to come back into the game when we have got a goal and are looking good is something which has happened already this season, more than once.”
“We have seen this situation before and it has cost us points.”
“At Sunderland, we took the lead twice and we looked really good after the first one for 15 minutes and also after the second one. They were a threat, but only on the counter attack, even when we were leading 2-1.”
“But, when we are in this position in games, as we have been before, we have to finish the opposition off. We have to and we didn’t, and it cost us a victory.”
“You have to take that advantage when you are in control and finish them off.”
West Ham have five games remaining in the Premier League this season and, although not mathematically secured, should remain in the top-flight next season.
A difficult run-in for the Hammers awaits though, as they face Everton, Stoke, Tottenham, Liverpool and Burnley.