The players owe it to themselves

At the end of the day, these players are professionals and should want to win each and every game.

They would be right to be disappointed with recent results but there is only so much apologising they can do to the fans (sorry Adrian, but it’s true) and now the time has come for them to do their talking on the pitch.

For the majority of clubs in the Premier League, the extra prize money for finishing even one place higher than they currently sit is massive – and West Ham are no different. They have the ability to rise up the table a couple of spots and should do so.