Could all Moyes’ good work be undone by defeat to Stoke?

Follow us on Google Discover

West Ham have picked up four points from their last two games.

David Moyes, Manager of West Ham United reacts during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal at London Stadium on December 13, 2017 in London, England.

David Moyes is starting to win over West Ham United fans after a positive week which saw them beat Chelsea and draw with Arsenal.

Moyes hasn’t improved their league position but the Hammers have improved defensively and have shown signs of encouragement.

The former Everton boss has taken charge of six games, three home and three away. They lost all three on the road but Moyes is unbeaten at home which considering they faced Chelsea, Arsenal and in-form Leicester City, is a fine achievement.

Michail Antonio of West Ham United is challenged by Andreas Christensen of Chelsea during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea at London Stadium on December 9, 2017…

West Ham are level on points with 17th place and are only three points off 13th. The fans are on side for now but given Moyes’ recent failures, one defeat is all it takes for question marks to be raised again.

The Hammers travel to Stoke City this weekend, who are 15th, two points ahead of Moyes’ team. They’re a direct rival for relegation and they can’t afford to be letting teams go five points ahead of them or further in a relegation battle.

West Ham’s rivals all have tough games. 17th placed West Bromwich Albion host Manchester United while 16th positioned Newcastle United travel to Arsenal. The other clubs in the drop zone, Crystal Palace and Swansea City, have difficult away games at Leicester City and Everton respectively so the Irons need to capitalise and takes points off teams around them.

West Ham manager David Moyes (c) looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Manchester, England.

A defeat at the Britannia would then put even more pressure on their next game, a six pointer against Newcastle at the London Stadium. If they lose at Stoke and then go a goal down against the Magpies, the atmosphere could turn quite hostile at the London Stadium and all of a sudden Moyes will be back under pressure.

A draw would at least keep their unbeaten run going and keep their confidence levels high but it’s these next two games that will define West Ham’s season, not the ones against the top six.