What to expect from West Ham for the rest of the season

West Ham’s opening 12 matches under Manuel Pellegrini have been hot and cold. The Hammers lost their opening four matches conceding 10 goals and scoring just two. However, a mid-September win away to Everton has transformed them, and in their last eight matches, the Hammers have tasted defeat just twice.

West Ham supporters can bet on Mansion to continue the excitement after the full-time whistle and before the next game. Currently 14th with 12 points from 36, West Ham can continue their surge up the table once the international break has finished.

Since the Hammers’ win against Everton, in which they sat 20th, they have improved their league position nearly every matchday. A game against Manchester City awaits following the international break, but don’t put it past the Hammers to give the league leaders a competitive 90 minutes.

Pellegrini finding rhythm

Pellegrini’s four match losing streak to open the season was unexpected. He had been highly sought after by West Ham’s owners to lead the club forward. Yet, after four straight losses, Pellegrini looked destined for the door.

The Chilean has recently reeled off three straight league matches without defeat. It is the second time Pellegrini has accomplished the feat this term. Draws at Leicester and Huddersfield were sandwiched around a home win against Burnley. The Hammers continue to improve under Pellegrini and it has helped club record signing Felipe Anderson find form.

Continued improvement is on tap under Pellegrini with a huge test to come against the Citizens leaded by Guardiola. Premier League bettors can use Jackpotjoy for West Ham’s next match against Manchester City.

Felipe Anderson showing his worth

West Ham supporters were left frustrated with Anderson’s early performances. He was taken off against Liverpool after just 62 minutes in his Premier League debut and after such an anonymous appearance, the worst was expected from the £36 million signing. Fortunately, Anderson has kept his head down and battled through his struggles. The 25-year-old has scored four goals and added one assist. Three of his four goals have come in West Ham’s last two matches – a win versus Burnley and draw with Huddersfield. He may still show just why the club splurged on his signature.

West Ham can unsettle top six

West Ham have played five of the Premier League’s current top six teams this season. While they did lose to Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham, the Hammers took four points from both Chelsea and Manchester United. West Ham’s nil-nil draw against Chelsea at home saw West Ham survive the Blues’ attacking onslaught. Despite holding just 28.1 percent possession and facing 17 shots, West Ham came away with a point. A week later, West Ham welcomed Manchester United to the London Stadium and played the visitors off the pitch. Anderson and Marko Arnautovic were unplayable in the 3-1 win.

Fast starters

Goals have come early in matches for West Ham this season. Of the team’s 14 goals, eight have been tallied in the first half. Three of the eight have been scored in the opening 15 minutes. The second half has seen West Ham let off the accelerator as just six goals have been scored compared to 10 conceded. Five of the goals allowed in the second half have come in the final 15 minutes. Defensive and mental lapses have seen West Ham conceded late. West Ham’s late lapses must end if the they are to push on toward the top six. Eight points already separate the Hammers with eighth-place Bournemouth. January could see a defensive plug signed to stop the leaking.

Pellegrini’s first season at the London Stadium hasn’t been the immediate success it was hoped to be after the failure of Koeman. Yet, the Hammers are building on results and there are still 26 matches to play in the Premier League season. West Ham will have a big say in the final top six standings.