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West Ham endured a tough start to the 2018-19 season, losing their opening four Premier League fixtures under new boss Manuel Pellegrini, but significant improvements have been shown in recent weeks.

The Hammers have defeated Everton and Manchester United, either side of a goalless draw with Chelsea, to rise to 14th in the standings and are now just three points behind Jose Mourinho's side after Saturday's spectacular win.

Pellegrini has got fans on his side after a significant spending spree in the summer saw the Chilean boss overhaul his squad with over £100m spent securing new additions, drafting in the likes of Lukasz Fabianski, Andriy Yarmolenko and Felipe Anderson.

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The result is a strong and competitive squad that boasts the ability to threaten the upper ends of the Premier League but it will require consistency to do so - which is something that has been West Ham's downfall this year.

However, the Hammers should consider this season to be the first stepping stone on their route back to the top end of the league and finishing in the top half should be considered to be a fine achievement, as the fight for Europe is just out of their reach this term.

Do you agree, West Ham fans? Where do you think you will finish this season? Let us know your thoughts in our poll below...