After the season West Ham are currently enjoying, it would appear that anything is possible for the men from Upton Park.
It is, therefore, still entirely possible that West Ham could sneak in to the to top four. Now this would be remarkable for a new manager, in his first season with a ton of new faces and would certainly upset the equilibrium of the so-called top four.
The top four are no longer the top four since one currently resides at number five in the league, whilst the reigning champions have absolutely no hope of achieving anything for the first time in many a year.
The Hammers, along with the fabulous Foxes, have been absolutely superb this season and deserve all the credit that they are getting. Therefore, a Champions League spot is the least they deserve.
Slaven Bilic’s side are in good form, losing only two of the last eight games in all competitions. They are in fact the form team in the Premier League and it would be a fitting way to end their time at the famous Boleyn Ground and an even better way of entering the new Olympic Stadium.
So here are five plausible reasons why West Ham will take fourth, or maybe even third sport this season…
Dimitri Payet
What can you add to the superlatives already expressed for the genius in claret and blue?
When you think that he can’t possibly do anything else that is as magical as the last piece of skillful trickery, Payet then produces another sublime piece of skill for the fans to marvel at.
The Frenchman has been a Premier League sensation and should surely win Player of the Year. His team-mates have remarked that his mere presence on the pitch makes them play better and even his manager feels drawn to poetry to and eulogise about the West Ham man.
Payet is the difference at West Ham this year and will continue to shine in the future.
Slaven Bilic
Although Payet takes the plaudits, so should Bilic.
The Croatian was not the number one choice at Upton Park to replace Sam Allardyce, but maybe he should have been. Allardyce was always said to have no Plan B, whereas, Bilic, seems to have plans galore when things aren’t going right.
A tactical switch at half-time against Everton swung the game West Ham’s way – eventually. He is charismatic and honest at press conferences, and instils confidence within his team.
According to Angelo Ogbonna recently, Bilic doesn’t get mad, so his calmness emanates towards his team. This man is not just a breath of fresh air at West Ham, but within the game itself.
League Form
The in form Hammers have been consistent even when their team was depleted in November/December.
A run of five draws and no losses at their worst time this season, has gone along way to cementing the foundations of a brilliant season. No one, not even the most die hard Hammers fan, could ever have predicted a season like it.
The half-hearted attempt at Europe was probably masking the embarrassment of getting there via the fair play rules, but regardless, the Hammers have won away where they have no right to win and it’s not just been positive results, but winning by playing the kind of football that has been missing for years.
Arsenal and Manchester City
So look out Arsenal and City. Both must be looking over their shoulders as West Ham continue to impress and whilst both drop points, the Hammers creep ever nearer.
There is an intriguing match in April that could make a huge difference. West Ham play Arsenal at the Boleyn for the last time and a win, if the game was today, would mean that both teams would be on 52 points with only goal difference keeping Arsenal above their East London neighbours.
With the Gunners and City being so inconsistent, it’s Hammer time.
The Squad
West Ham have arguably the best squad they’ve had in years. The depth, the quality, the resilience, the character – all there now, but so missed by the fans in recent years.
It must be like looking at a different team at times for Hammers fans. Away wins, comebacks, entertainment, it’s a welcome return for what used to be everyone’s favourite second team.
There are many unsung heroes within the squad this term and although the usual suspects get the usual mentions, some players have been exemplary in their attitude when asked to play out of position.
Bilic has got a bunch of individuals playing together and as a team and believing that they are never beaten. Players that have come into the Upton Park set-up are becoming better players and that includes some future candidates for the England team. It can only be good for us all.
It is certainly good for West Ham right now and maybe those fortune’s won’t always be hiding.