Behind the scenes West Ham video will give Manuel Pellegrini seven big reasons to be happy

It is far too early for any doom and gloom but West Ham United have certainly not set the world alight with their start to the new season.

There were high expectations for the Hammers from fans and the media alike.

But so far Manuel Pellegrini’s side have looked a million miles from a team capable of competing for Europe.

A crushing 5-0 defeat to Manchester City on the opening day was followed by a lacklustre performance in a 1-1 draw at Brighton.

Fans found solace in the fact Brighton have proved something of a bogey team in the last few seasons so a point was better than nothing.

But there was little about the display to suggest West Ham could be a force in the Premier League.

Injuries to the two most expensive signings in the club’s history, Felipe Anderson and Sebastien Haller, also served to dampen the mood around the club.

But a behind the scenes video of a West Ham training session at the London Stadium this week will give Pellegrini and supporters seven big reasons to be happy.

Firstly the video shows that striker Haller is back in action. The £45million forward is seen taking part in the session. And that suggests he should be back for the Watford game at the weekend.

Anderson is also spotted training and playing in a training match so he too should return.

Captain Mark Noble, who has yet to feature this season as he recovers from a calf injury, was also involved in a keep ball session.

The skipper looked ok but whether he is fit enough to come back in against the Hornets remains to be seen. The fact he is training, though, is a huge positive.

Then there is the eye-catching performances of three players in the training match.

Andriy Yarmolenko, new striker Albian Ajeti and another summer signing Pablo Fornals all looked really good in the footage.

But what will please Pellegrini and fans the most was the clear intensity and sharpness of the training session.

If the footage is anything to go by the players look like they mean business.

Let’s just hope that translates onto the pitch at Vicarage Road come 3pm Saturday.