Winning Ugly Can Take Hammers to Europe

West Ham secured another valuable win over Leeds United, but you might have been forgiven in thinking they had lost considering the reaction of manager David Moyes and his players. The Irons managed to produce a dogged performance to grind out a 2-0 win over Marcelo Bielsa’s men, and it’s that type of display that could see West Ham secure European football for next term.
Moyes Sets the Standards

While West Ham have been commended for plenty of their performances this season, the Hammers struggled to find their flow against the Whites at the London Stadium. West Ham, who are 11/4 in the football betting with bet365 to finish in the top four, relied on a goal from a penalty rebound and another from a corner.
The hosts did create other opportunities on the night, with the Leeds’ crossbar and post both rattled during the encounter. But there were few occasions when West Ham enjoyed spells of possession and moved the opposition around the field, as they have done through the season.

The tone of the performance was highlighted by all three men who took part in post-match interviews. Manager David Moyes admitted his side were not at their best, and paid credit to Leeds for the manner of their performance. Skipper Declan Rice gave tremendous insight into the display, and admitted there was work to be done. Meanwhile, goalscorer Jesse Lingard also stated his side would need to improve if they were to achieve their dream of a top-four finish.

This all should be music to supporters’ ears, and just shows the standards Moyes has put in place at the club this season. While wins are what counts in this results-based business, the Scottish tactician is also demanding strong performances.
Winning Ugly Can See Hammers Home

No side is capable of impressive performances every week in the Premier League, as even frontrunners Manchester City will testify to after their defeat to rivals Manchester United. The key for West Ham is to keep the points ticking over as they enter
the business end of the season.

Hammers only had 35% possession against Leeds in their encounter in the early stages of March, but they did earn three more shots on target than their West Yorkshire opponents. Moyes has made West Ham much more efficient with how they play
when they do have the ball this season, and it has been a key reason why they are challenging for Europe.

West Ham have a fairly favourable run in at the end of the season, with Moyes’ men taking on the likes of Brighton, West Brom and Southampton in their last three Premier League games. Hammers seem to be a match for any side in the top flight this term, and even if they have to win ugly, grinding out a few more wins in the coming weeks could be the key to securing European football for next season. - Ed