West Ham’s season can still be a success – if they take the two domestic cup competitions seriously.
West Ham United fans may have had lofty ambitions for this season after a summer transfer window in which their business was largely lauded.
But things have not quite gone to plan and, in league terms, it appears the most they can hope for – under new boss David Moyes – is Premier League survival.
However, that target looks very realistic indeed after a recent fine run – taking seven points from a tough string of three fixtures.
And so surely, ahead of a League Cup quarter-final against Arsenal, West Ham can look to take the cup competitions seriously.
The Hammers defied their poor league form to reach this stage and, given a healthy league position and a kind run of games into 2018, they can now place more focus on the trip to Arsenal.
And the same should be the case in the FA Cup next month, when Moyes’ men take on Shrewsbury Town, who should not trouble a talented group en route to the fourth round.
West Ham will not trouble the European places in the league table, but there is no reason why this cannot still be a successful season at London Stadium.
It would be good to see a big Premier League club from outside the top six giving these competitions the respect they deserve.
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