West Ham United have made an impressive start to the season and it has not escaped the attention of Premier League great Roy Keane.
The Hammers are unbeaten since the opening day and moved up to third in the table after their 2-2 draw at Bournemouth on Saturday.
Leicester’s win over Newcastle and Arsenal’s draw at Manchester United since has seen West Ham drop to fifth – level on points with fourth-placed Arsenal.
Hammers tipped to challenge the elite
Manuel Pellegrini’s side have impressed pundits and fans alike with their balance and attacking threat.
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As a result West Ham are being widely tipped to challenge the top six.
In some quarters the East Londoners are even being backed to mount a bid for Champions League football as some of the established struggle.
West Ham received some high profile backing on Monday night from none other than Manchester United legend Roy Keane.
Legend Keane sends message to West Ham about top four chances
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Keane backed the Hammers to challenge for the top four and says they may never get a better chance.
“On tonight’s performance none of them (Arsenal or Manchester United will make the top four), on tonight’s performance,” Keane said on Sky Sports when asked about the race for the top four.
“Obviously you’d think they’ll improve… but on tonight’s performance and what I’ve seen recently of United and of Arsenal (they look way off).
“Now again if you’re these other teams out there, the West Ham’s and the Leicester’s that are doing well and the Chelsea’s… if ever there was a chance for them to get into the top four it would be this season.”
Hammers can go third again
West Ham entertain Crystal Palace at the London Stadium this weekend.
With Leicester away to Liverpool and Arsenal not playing until Sunday, a win for the Hammers over Palace would put them back up to third on 15 points from the first eight games.
Do that and the club will really start to look like genuine contenders for at least the top six.
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