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West Ham United have moved within two points of Premier League safety after a crucial victory.
On January 6th, West Ham suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest, leaving them seven points adrift from safety after a 10-match winless streak.
At the time, survival was described by former Hammers goalkeeper Rob Green as “looking more and more an impossible task.”
However, following consecutive Premier League victories, including a dominant 3-1 win over Sunderland on Saturday, the Hammers are now just two points away from 17th place.
This resurgence has also intensified the pressure on fellow relegation contenders Nottingham Forest and Leeds United.
Can West Ham salvage their season?
The hosts delivered a stellar performance against Sunderland, securing three goals in a commanding first half, courtesy of Crysencio Summerville, Jarrod Bowen, and Mateus Fernandes.
This result marked West Ham’s first three-game winning streak in all competitions since November 2023.
“After the defeat to Nottingham Forest, they were seven points adrift and the situation looked bleak. However, they have clawed their way back into a position where they have renewed hope,” commented former Wales captain Ashley Williams, a pundit on BBC Match of the Day.
“Until recently, it was difficult to see how Nuno Espirito Santo would turn things around. Even with the signing of two new forwards, there were doubts about whether they had enough to stay up – and they still might not. However, the manager appears to have stopped the rot, easing some of the pressure on himself.”
“Forest are now likely looking over their shoulders with some apprehension, whereas previously, it seemed as though three teams were cut adrift at the bottom.”
West Ham two points off safety after fine win over Sunderland
Historically, only six teams have successfully avoided Premier League relegation after being seven or more points from safety with at least 21 games played.
These teams are:
West Bromwich Albion in 2004-05 – eight points from safety after 27 games
Portsmouth in 2005-06 – eight points from safety after 28 games
West Ham in 2006-07 – 10 points from safety after 29 games
Sunderland in 2013-14 – seven points from safety after 32 games
Leicester in 2014-15 – seven points from safety after 29 games
Aston Villa in 2019-20 – seven points from safety after 34 games
The Hammers are set to face top-five contenders Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool before the end of February.
Crucially, they will also face relegation rivals Burnley away from home and host Bournemouth next month.
With the creative flair of England winger Bowen, scoring goals has not been a primary concern for West Ham this season.
However, the London club’s defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern, as they possess the division’s leakiest defense and have yet to keep a clean sheet this season.
“Back-to-back wins can make a significant difference when you’re in a relegation battle. Now they’re within touching distance, and there’s a renewed sense of belief and vibrancy around the club,” said former Brighton and Crystal Palace striker Glenn Murray on BBC One’s Final Score.
“I’ve always been quite positive about West Ham, because when you’re struggling, the conversation often revolves around a lack of goals. However, West Ham have plenty of goals in them, and they’ve even added to their firepower in January.”
“A positive for Nuno against Sunderland was the game management. They’ve taken the lead on several occasions but haven’t been able to see it out, but they managed it very well this time.”
“There’s no question about the quality within West Ham’s squad. It’s simply a matter of application and addressing their defensive issues of conceding too many goals.”
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“We need to keep this momentum going” – Nuno on victory over Sunderland
The Hammers were once again inspired by captain Bowen, who scored from the penalty spot and provided an assist for Summerville with a pinpoint cross.
With that goal, the 29-year-old Englishman became West Ham’s outright leader in Premier League goal involvements (102 – 62 goals and 40 assists), surpassing Michail Antonio (101).
He has also scored and assisted in 11 different Premier League games for West Ham, the most of any player for the club, overtaking Paolo di Canio with 10.
“That was the best I have seen West Ham play all season,” added former defender Williams.
“The Hammers dominated the game, especially in the first half. They played with a lot more energy and creativity, with both Crysencio Summerville and Jarrod Bowen being very effective.”
“I haven’t seen too much yet from January signings Taty Castellanos and Pablo, but bringing them in does allow Bowen to play in his preferred position, where he appears more comfortable.”
“If you look at the first goal, Bowen creates it from out wide, where he can both create and score goals. He was the talisman today.”
Bowen, who joined the club from Hull City on transfer deadline day in January 2020, has been the club’s top scorer in four of the past five seasons.
Jarrod Bowen has recorded seven goals and one assist in 23 Premier League games this season.
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