West Ham United could be on the brink of a crisis after worrying new trend in results this season.
West Ham celebrate a 3-2 victory over Manchester United in the last ever game at Upton Park
Historically West Ham have always performed well against the so-called top teams but failed to replicate that form against the weaker sides.
In Slaven Bilic’s first season the Hammers got it right against all different types of opposition which led to a record-breaking campaign.
Last season the East Londoners were poor against the top sides – besides a win over rivals Spurs – but managed to pick up the majority of their results against the teams in the lower half which ultimately ensured they did not get dragged into a relegation battle.
This time around, though, and with a quarter of the season gone Bilic’s side are struggling to beat anyone with just two wins from the opening 10 games and in-form Liverpool the visitors today.
Well beaten by Manchester United and seen off by Spurs with relative ease despite a late fightback, West Ham have also failed to beat the likes of Brighton, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Southampton and Newcastle.
Last season they were battered at home by Liverpool and anything like a repeat result will leave the Hammers in the relegation zone and facing a real battle to survive.
The fixture list is looking more demanding for the second quarter of the season too and things certainly don’t get any easier.
If you take 40 points as the target for survival – even though West Ham are the team to be relegated with the most points in Premier League history on 42 – then here is what the club needs from the next nine games to reach the halfway stage on at least 20 points.
Next nine games (realistic result):
Liverpool at home (loss)
Watford away (draw)
Leicester at home (win)
Everton away (loss)
Manchester City away (loss)
Chelsea at home (loss)
Arsenal at home (loss)
Stoke away (draw)
Newcastle at home (win)
West Ham fans are worried
The Premier League is unpredictable but based on the realistic predicted outcome from that crop of games West Ham would take just eight points, leaving them on 17 at the halfway stage.
So they need to pick up at least one unexpected win against the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal or Chelsea to leave themselves with a chance of survival in the increasingly competitive top flight.
Pundits like Jamie Carragher have said they can see West Ham getting relegated this season, describing the club as a ‘shambles’.
And it is indeed worrying times for Hammers fans.
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