Why Paul Merson is wrong to doubt West Ham’s top-six chances

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Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has expressed his doubts over West Ham United’s chances of securing a top-six finish in the Premier League.

Paul Merson has doubted West Ham’s quality to finish in the top six of the Premier League table on The Debate on Sky Sports (broadcast on 23/9 from 22:00)

The Hammers secured a fine win against Manchester United on Sunday which prompted suggestions from fans and pundits alike about Manuel Pellegrini’s side breaking into the top six ahead of the Red Devils.

Solksjaer’s men, along with Chelsea, have had difficult starts to their campaign which makes the fight for a place in the Europa League spots open but Merson expressed his concern over West Ham’s attack.

He said: “Will West Ham finish in the top six? You’ve got to look at it two weeks ago against Villa. They drew 0-0 against Villa. No disrespect but Arsenal scored three goals against them with 10 men. I like West Ham. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t know if they’re going to score enough goals.”

West Ham are currently fifth in the table after winning three of their first six games. The Hammers have scored eight goals so far, level with their weekend’s opponents Manchester United. Merson doubting West Ham’s ability to score enough goals comes in as a huge surprise especially with how good their attack is.

Summer signing Sebastien Haller is a proven goal scorer and has already found the net three times in five games. Andriy Yarmolenko will be looking to make his mark after last season’s injury woes and Felipe Anderson will also look to better his incredible performances from last season.

Manuel Lanzini has shown before that he is capable of finding the back of the net while summer recruit Pablo Fornals will come good sooner rather than later. Pellegrini’s men have all the qualities to be a huge threat in attack and this will only get better once Haller completely settles in at the London Stadium.

West Ham’s chances of breaking into the top-six are as good as it has ever been and with Wolves and Watford out of the race for a place there, Pellegrini’s side along with Leicester City have a massive chance to get a sixth placed finish at the end of the season.