Paul Merson told Sky Sports that if Tottenham had West Ham’s run-in then you would think that they were a ‘shoo-in for the top-four’.
Not many would have expected it at the start of the season, but West Ham are in a top-four battle with Tottenham and may even end up as the top dogs of London when the final ball is kicked.
It’s those at Stamford Bridge who are currently leading the charge in the capital, but if West Ham can beat Leicester City today then they will dethrone Thomas Tuchel’s fourth-placed side.
Whilst West Ham seemingly have an easier run-in and the race to finish in the top-four is in their hands, Merson had this ‘nagging doubt’ about whether they can deal with the pressure that comes their way.
“I like West Ham and I like their fixtures for the run-in,” said Merson. “They are a really kind set of games. If they were Liverpool, Chelsea or Spurs’ fixtures, you’d say they were a shoo-in for the top four.
“But it’s West Ham and there’s this nagging doubt. You just don’t know how they will stand up to the pressure of the run-in.
“An injury here and an injury there and all of a sudden, they could be in trouble. They already have Declan Rice out and Michail Antonio picked up an injury on Monday, so they won’t want to lose too many more players.
“However, I can’t get away from their fixtures. They have got the best fixtures out of everybody in my opinion – This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Hammers and I really do think they’ve got every chance.”
Well, the Hammers can tick off them dealing with a pressure situation on Monday night against Wolves.
After racing into a 3-0 lead, and then Nuno Espirito Santo’s side mounting a comeback to make it 3-2, many in Claret & Blue would have been fearing the worst and how their 3-3 draw against Arsenal is repeating itself.
But the Hammers showed their bottle, held onto their lead and walked away with a much-deserved three points.
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