By 90min West Ham fan writer Joe Difford
?Saturday's away match against relegation threatened Leicester didn't go exactly to plan after Lady Luck reared her head and caused a few problems for the Hammers. That is not to say that Leicester played poorly, as their current situation means that every game is a cup final and we saw that too as QPR thrashed West Brom.
It's not all doom and gloom, however, as Cheikhou Kouyate continued his fantastic run of form, netting his fourth goal in a claret and blue shirt. Adrian was clearly still riding high from the victory against Everton on penalties, as he saved an excellent spot kick early on in the first half. They say that the worst teams to play at this stage of the season are the ones who simply have to win to give themselves hope of staying up and that was true across the whole fixture list this weekend, as we also saw Burnley hold Spurs to a 0-0 draw.
The Hammers are still to face QPR, Burnley and Aston Villa, but will now be far more aware of what to expect from a relegation threatened side. In the next few weeks, the squad will likely be almost back to full-fitness, as Enner Valencia prepares to return alongside Diafra Sakho. The congested winter period, filled with games against the sides likely to finish in European places might've knocked West Ham off their stride somewhat. However, a more balanced series of games in the final weeks of the season gives Mark Noble and Co. the opportunity to recreate the phenomenal form that lifted the side to third in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
The game against Stoke next week is important as the Potters are creeping up behind in tenth place, so the boys know that three points is what's needed and to some extent, expected. A trip to the Ethiad one week later will give the Hammers a chance to do the double over the reigning champions, having won 2-1 at home in October. Crystal Palace's victory over the Citizens on Monday night relayed the message once again that even the title contenders can fall to defeat.
Following the game against City, three matches against relegation threatened sides ensue, but their situations may have changed drastically in the weeks leading up to that. We may have our first relegated side by then, so only time will tell what to expect, but either way, these are games West Ham can win.
With the possibility of a Europa League spot made available through the Fair Play league, which West Ham currently top, it is important to get the right balance between passion for the last remaining points and a game free of bookings or worse.
If West Ham can keep their squad fit and injury-free between now and the end of the season, we could see a season finish as spectacular as the start. A top eight finish and potentially European football would be a magnificent way to bid farewell to the Boleyn Ground next season, and with the current squad, anything is possible.
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The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United