With a very strong performance and win at the weekend, West Ham are now five points above the relegation zone, sitting in 14th place. They were able to score three first half goals, which was the first time they had done that in the Premier League since September 2012 against Fulham. This win is exactly what they needed as they attempt to avoid relegation and stay in the Premier League. With a very difficult final seven games, it is essential that the Hammers grind out as many points as possible. In these seven games, they face four of the Big 6 teams; two away and two at home. Against these big teams, they will look to play on the counter and frustrate these teams as much as possible defensively.
The three games that are not against one of the Big 6 teams are must wins for the Hammers. In these games they face no easy task of taking on Stoke, Leicester, and Everton. With Stoke fighting for survival as well, it is imperative that they are able to beat them like they did Southampton. Leicester and Everton will be difficult tasks as these are two teams in the top half of the league and having decent seasons so far, backed up in the Bitstarz sportsbook review. It is crucial for them to obtain these nine points and be playing their best football.
Going forward, their future lies in the hands of Marko Arnautovic. So far this season, he is the Hammers’ leading goal scorer, with nine goals and also has three assists. With Lanzini out injured, it is up to him to be West Ham’s force going forward. However, new man Joao Mario, acquired from Inter Milan on loan, will be imperative to West Ham’s attack as well as he tries to fill the creative gap left in Lanzini’s absence. After scoring his first goal at the weekend and also grabbing an assist, the Irons are starting to see the talent that he has.
With their back against the wall and seven games remaining against very difficult opponents, it’s going to be tough for West Ham. However, I think they have what it takes, if Moyes can continue to get his team to play like they did against Southampton they should be able to win their three must-win games. It’s also imperative that they frustrate the Big 6 as much as possible in their four other matches and hope to obtain as many draws as they can. It will be a challenge, but the threat of relegation brings the best out of teams who are up for it.
