West Ham have made an impressive start to their 2019/20 campaign. Paul Merson is not convinced that the Hammers have what it takes to finish inside the top six, however.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side have taken 12 points from their first seven league games, and they currently sit in fifth spot in the table.
The east London outfit look like a totally different team this season, and with the race for the top six wide open, there is every reason to believe that they can gatecrash the party.
West Ham look strong all over the pitch. Aside from their opening day 5-0 mauling by Manchester City, Pellegrini’s men seem to be very well organised defensively.
They have a strong midfield when everyone is fit. Declan Rice is on another level, and Mark Noble provides a real level of experience, know-how and leadership.
The Hammers then have some of the best creative attacking midfielders in the league with the likes of Felipe Anderson, Manuel Lanzini and Andriy Yarmolenko.
And with Sebastien Haller up front, West Ham seem to have the whole package.
So do the Hammers have a chance of a top six finish?
Losing Lukasz Fabianski for 2-3 months will be a massive blow to their top six hopes.
And Merson told Sky Sports how West Ham have their work cut-out if they are to crack the top six:
“There is a long way to go. The teams you are asking to finish in the top six – Leicester and West Ham – it is a big ask for them. Certain players have to stay fit for them. The cream always comes to the top – they (United and Arsenal) are not playing well at the moment, but over 38 games, you are asking Leicester and West Ham to do something special the way the gulf is at the moment.”
The former Arsenal man has gone somewhat against the grain with these comments. Many pundits have tipped West Ham and Leicester for the top six this season.
Harry Redknapp (talkSPORT), Jamie Carragher (Football.London) and Danny Kelly (talkSPORT) have all backed the Hammers to gatecrash the Premier League’s so-called ‘elite club’.
Merson is right what he says, but even so, West Ham will not have a better chance to finish inside the top six than they do this season, what with Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal all going through transitional periods.
And if the Hammers can win their next game against Crystal Palace, they will be in a great position heading into the international break.
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