Former Premier League defender Martin Keown has warned against ruling West Ham out of the race for the Premier League top four.
The Hammers currently sit sixth, four points behind Manchester United in the final UEFA Champions League qualification place.
Despite a recent spell of inconsistency, David Moyes’ side are still in with a shout of reaching the coveted European competition.
That’s the view of Keown, who told talkSPORT (10.45am Friday, February 25), that it’s too soon to write off the Irons’ chances.
West Ham have been magnificent all season. Playing in the Europa League, you don’t do that on a Thursday night, travel far in that competition and stay in the fight for the top four, with the tiniest squad in the Premier League by the way – hardly make any changes. It’s commendable what they’re doing.
Keown also stated that the final place was ‘really up for grabs’ as at least five clubs seek the fourth spot.
Following two consecutive draws, West Ham will hope to get back to winning ways against fellow top-four hopefuls Wolves this weekend.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
Whilst recent form has been a blow, the race is far from run.
Unlike a majority of their competitors, Moyes’ men will have to contend with the added workload of a two-legged tie with Sevilla in mid-March.
But, the Irons have made a habit of upsetting the applecart over the last 18 months and a top-four finish would perhaps top the lot.
