West Ham United are gearing up for a crucial Premier League showdown against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.
For a team struggling to find their rhythm, this London derby could be the key to turning things around, and the Hammers have received a much-needed boost ahead of this high-stakes contest.
West Ham fans have had little to cheer about after a lacklustre start to the season, which saw the Irons win just two of their opening seven Premier League games.
Their awful form has raised questions about Julen Lopetegui’s long-term future, which is understandable. After all, following a huge £126.5 million outlay last summer, fans expected more from the team.
Lopetegui worked closely with technical director Tim Steidten during the transfer window and assembled one of the most exciting teams in the division.
Despite the investment, results have been in short supply, with Lopetegui struggling to unlock the full potential of his new-look squad. However, recent results suggest the tide may finally be turning in West Ham’s favour.
For the first time this season, West Ham have gone two consecutive Premier League games without suffering defeat. They drew 1-1 with Brentford and then swept aside Ipswich Town 4-1 at the London Stadium.
It’s not enough to suggest a full-scale revival could be on the horizon, but West Ham must build on that momentum if they want to get their campaign back on track.
Saturday’s showdown with Tottenham would be the perfect litmus test to determine if the Hammers are truly on an upward trajectory or just flattering to deceive.
West Ham haven’t lost to Spurs in their last two meetings, with a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium coming after a 2-1 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Additionally, there’s an interesting statistic that will likely give the Hammers an extra edge – Postecoglou has yet to win a London derby against West Ham, Arsenal, or Chelsea since taking the reins at Spurs (D2, L5).
West Ham must ensure they pile the misery on Postecoglou and Spurs. They haven’t played well enough to suggest they have what it takes, but the stats give the players something to fight for.
As for Lopetegui, while there hasn’t been any direct indication that his job is on the line, another defeat would only fan the flames under his hot seat.
Piling the misery on Postecoglou and his troops could be the crucial pick-me-up the Hammers need to get their campaign back on track and push higher up the Premier League table.