West Ham continue to upset the usual pecking order in London and across the Premier League – but could a bold prediction from 2016 be about to come true?
Jesse Lingard inspired the Hammers to a 3-2 victory over Leicester City at the London Stadium this afternoon.
His double, taking his impressive tally since joining on loan from Manchester United to eight in nine games, moved West Ham back into fourth-place as the Premier League season reaches its business end.
Jarrod Bowen was also on target as the Hammers survived a late double scare from Kelechi Iheanacho.
As the battle for top-four intensifies, David Moyes and co find themselves with a one-point advantage on London rivals Chelsea – while Tottenham were five adrift, ahead of their game with Manchester United.
Leicester themselves, reigning champions Liverpool and Everton also find themselves in the mix amid yet another action-packed and thrilling weekend in the Premier League.
Realistically, with seven games to go, any two of those six clubs can potentially join Manchester City and second-placed United in the top European competition next season.
If that is to be West Ham, though, it will see a brave prediction from one of their joint-chairmen come true.
Back in September 2016, businessman David Gold made a rather lofty call when replying to a Hammers fan during a Q&A session on social media – but who would have thought that it would prove so gloriously accurate?
Here is the short exchange between Gold and supporter James Jones (@JameswhufcJones).
Jones said: “In the next 5 years I want to hear the Champions League music at the London Stadium. Do you think that’s realistic @davidgold?”
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Gold replied: “There’s absolutely no reason why we can’t be playing in the Champions League within the next five years. DG.”
There’s still a little way to go before West Ham can fulfil the prophecy of one of their owners, but if Lingard – and his teammates – continue to produce such eye-catching results, there is no reason why the Hammers can’t be the pride of London, in Europe, next season.