In the last 48 hours two of the most pessimistic West Ham fans I know have told me that Saturday’s game home against Chelsea will define our season.
They both agree that if we can find a way past Chelsea on Saturday then a top six finish is achievable this season.
ClaretandHugh historian Nigel Kahn and Moore Than Just A Podcast presenter John Bucci are not the most optimistic of Hammers supporters in their combined 80 years of support but even they have got caught up in the euphoric atmosphere which surrounds Slaven Bilic and his team.
Chelsea have been beaten by Arsenal, Manchester City, Crystal Palace, Everton, FC Porto and Southampton since the season started. and they have only managed a draw against Swansea City and Newcastle.
The Hammers last beat Chelsea at the Boleyn Ground in December 2012 when we trotted out 3-1 winners thanks to goals from Maiga, Mo Diame and Carlton Cole. Our last draw was January 2014 when Sam Allardyce parked the bus at Stamford Bridge adopting a false nine tactic.
Chelsea will be no walk over on Saturday despite their poor start to the season but if we can beat them fair and square we can push on to make this a truly special last season at our hallowed Boleyn Ground.
Rubbish! They’re just another one to get past. No reflection whatsoever on the season. We can beat anyone but not everyone.
Beating a currently poor Chelsea side at home would be a better marker than wins away to Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City? Really?