OPINION: Why December could easily decide the rest of our season

Well, the first three games of David Moyes’ tenure has resulted in just one point from a possible nine but this is where the season really picks up tempo as West Ham United face Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal (twice), Stoke City, Newcastle United (again), AFC Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur (again) as well.

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First things first, I’m not hopeful for much from this month of action. Don’t fool me though, I’m looking forward to watching FOUR classy derbies as we take on Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. However, we’d need some form of miracle to actually stand a chance against them.

Chelsea have won the title. They’re defending Champions, yet they’re playing football which are lightyears ahead of anything West Ham United are capable of. Arsenal are just Arsenal, with the exception of Alexandre Lacazette (who appears to be carrying them, I might add), and Tottenham are the boys who think they’re good, but will no doubt settle for a Europa League finish this season as “the Champions League is a whole different kettle of fish”, or something like that at least.

Stoke City have Peter Crouch, a man who’s recently been inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records for the most headed goals scored in the Premier League. Despite that, Stoke City are usually the team you forget are still in the top flight. Consistent mid-table finishes and no real high-profile signings mean they’re reminding you of their existence when you’re due to play them next week.

Manchester City are flying high at the moment. A hugely talented team with depth and cover in almost every position allows for players to get injured and have their replacement brought in almost immediately, thus continuing their high game-winning run. Plus, Sheikh Mansour’s investment in the club in 2008 has definitely helped the Cityzen’s get who they want.

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The match against Tottenham Hotspur will be an incredible display of grit, determination and skill, especially if we want to win on aggregate for the season. Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen all have enjoyed a lot of success under manager Mauricio Pottchetino thus far and have been able to pull off some upsetting victories as well, yet Tottenham’s earlier woes of playing at Wembley have seemed to disperse for the North London club.

Having been already beaten by Newcastle this season, we must get our minds in the right place for their visit to the London Stadium as well. Rafa Benitez’s tenure at the North-East club has been somewhat interesting to watch as the Spaniard has been met with tight financial constraints, growing displeasure from fans as well as the board, and many injury crisis’. This should be a game where we can hopefully pick up a draw.

And then there’s AFC Bournemouth - that small club on the South Coast of England. Eddie Howe has done well with Bournemouth through their rise from near relegation in League 2 to Premier League status. However, Bournemouth have proven to be a remarkable challenge for West Ham United in the past.

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So what can we do then?

That’s the question I find myself asking. I think we have no other alternative other than to support the club. West Ham United is being forced into an increasingly uncomfortable situation with almost no direction to turn. However, we must remain strong, support our team and ensure we do the best we can in order to help improve results.

December will be a tough month, but we’ll get through it.

COYI