Sam Allardce has given the fans a near perfect Christmas present by sending them off for their holidays in fourth place.

After the victory over Leicester the Irons boss beamed: “Being fourth in the Premier League is a Christmas present for everybody at West Ham.

“And having 31 points before Christmas is a pretty major achievement for us.”

Andy Carrolland Stewart Downing wrapped up the points with a goal apiece and Allardyce saId:  “There is no doubt we deserved to win with the quality finishes from Andy and Stewart.

“It was a very composed finish from Andy in a one-on-one. I was pleased he put that in after he missed an even easier chance just before that.

“He was our most creative and best player by far, he’s been a revelation for us — and his goal was outstanding. So this is a very big win for us before we have Chelsea next.”