Though their form is only slightly improving, the Hammers seem more at home in the London Stadium than at the start of the season.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
After an alarmingly shaky start, and growing unsettlement amongst fans and players alike, West Ham appear to be finally settling into the London Stadium.
At the beginning of the season, an untimely early exit from the Europa League was coupled with a less than impressive start to the Premier League season, particularly during a 4 game losing streak in which they conceded 14 goals.
Much attention was paid to the change of stadium, and the undoubted effect it surely had on the fans and players, while for the first time, Slaven Bilic was placed under real pressure as West Ham manager.
The spectre of an uncooperative Dimitri Payet appeared to be lifted once he secured his move back to Marseilles in January.
Following his departure, West Ham seem to have found their natural rhythm again, and other players, such as Sofiane Feghouli and Manuel Lanzini, are coming to the fore.. Moreover, the London Stadium now appears a very natural home for the Irons.
Up until recent defeats against Bournemouth and Chelsea, the Hammers were beginning to chalk up something of a run of form, winning successive matches against Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough.
Sitting in 11th, the Hammers are failing to live up to the heights of the previous season – though without Payet, that’s hardly surprising. However, after a clearly tricky transition period, they will be thankful that they regained their identity and passion so quickly.
Between now, and leading into next season, we may finally get to see the Hammers transform their home into a fortress.
West Ham United’s Jose Fonte heads at goal
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