West Ham United are receiving plenty of praise at the moment and it is easy to see why.
The comfortable 2-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday lifted West Ham up to fifth in the fledgling Premier League table, only outside the top four on goals scored.
The Hammers are unbeaten in six since losing 5-0 to Manchester City on the opening day.
Many fans and pundits are tipping them to gatecrash the top six.
Hammers living up to top six tag
Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur all struggling to live up to their usual high standards so far this season.
And many feel that leaves the door wide open for the likes of West Ham, Leicester City and others to upset the established elite.
There is no love lost between West Ham and Tottenham.
So it says a lot that even one of their most ardent fans, talkSPORT pundit Danny Kelly, has conceded Manuel Pellegrini’s side are looking good.
Not just good. Kelly told talkSPORT on Sunday night it could be the best Hammers team for 20 years.
‘Best West Ham team for 20 years’
“(Manchester United were playing) against a West Ham team I believe can be their best team for 20 years,” Kelly said on talkSPORT.
“There didn’t seem to be any danger that they (Manchester United) would win the match.
“I didn’t (expect Manchester United to get anything), this was my banker of the weekend that West Ham would be Manchester United. Why? Because I think they are a better team just now.
“There were times when West Ham had them pegged in their own penalty area. They (West Ham) did (play well), they didn’t have to, though.
“Hang on, what’s embarrassing about losing to West Ham United,” Kelly hit back at one disgruntled Manchester United fan.
“They’ve got an excellent squad of footballers and they’re the home team.”
Credit to Kelly and talkSPORT.
A refreshing change from media for fed up fans
While Sky Sports are busy focusing almost entirely on the established top six in their increasingly biased broadcasting, Kelly and talkSPORT offered a more considered, balanced analysis.
It is one thing hearing West Ham fans asses their own team and chances of success.
But hearing such high praise from respected pundits with allegiances to West Ham’s rivals is sobering.
West Ham really look like they could do something under Pellegrini.
The Hammers have already proved they have every chance of competing for the top six.
And Pellegrini’s side must aim to try and win one of the cups.
Exciting times indeed.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
