Hammers London's Top Team

You wouldn't know it given some of the media coverage of the Barclays Premier League, but West Ham United are currently London's top team! Yes really, legitimately the top team in London, no issues regarding games in hands that London rivals might have, no nothing, just pure and simple the top of the pile in town.

Heading in to tomorrow's London derby against Fulham at Craven Cottage, Hammers occupy 5th spot in the League, the only fly in the ointment being the fact that recently vanquished Villa, and Everton DO have games in hand which, if won, would see them leapfrog the Irons up the table.

To be be genuinely ahead of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham at this stage of the season is no mean feat, David Moyes, his back room staff and the players have 'shocked' the established order by daring to play and win with a freedom that, whisper it gently, is as close to the legendary 'West Ham Way' as is possible in modern day football.

Currently when West Ham perform well, there are certain sections of the media who will just not give the team the credit it deserves, instead referring to the opposition as 'having a bad day at the office', such lack of praise probably fuels what is already a burning desire to succeed and put certain 'mouths' in place.

One way of looking at things though, is that Moyes and company are more than happy to be looked down on by 'elite' clubs and their 'gorged on success' fans, just as long as he keeps winning, and that job continues tomorrow against Scotty Parker's Fulham who will be desperate for the points, as their position in the league is perilous with Sheffield United and other teams around them threatening a revival.

Hopes were dashed and dreams of Europe were brought down to earth with a bump following the team's abject surrender to Liverpool last Sunday, so all thoughts will now be on progressing in a similar way to the last game, NOT the one before which was a salient lesson in getting ahead of yourself.

Fulham will definitely be no push overs, as they have players like lookman who will be desperate to make amends for his 'lame' penalty against the Irons at the London Stadium, which effectively lost Fulham the points on offer. If Moyes can keep his players focused there is the possibility of moving as high as fourth in the table if other results go in the club's favour.

It's a long, long way the club has travelled since this time last year, and who knows how far the journey will go? At least enjoy it while it is happening, it's such a pity the fans cannot be at the 'taxpayer's folly' to witness the team in full flight, because despite the Stadium's obvious flaws, the place would be 'rocking' right now if fans were permitted to attend, and WHEN they do, perhaps they will appreciate Moyes and his team's achievements a little more than they did before the dreadful Covid-19 pandemic.- Ed