December has turned out to be a rewarding month for Slaven Bilic and West Ham as the Hammers' form has turned full circle with three wins and one draw.

After looking set for a relegation battle for the remainder of the season, the Hammers have now recorded three victories over relegation-threatened teams to increase the distance between themselves and the drop zone.

Ten points from the last possible twelve cannot be overstated. However, the east Londoners shouldn't allow it to paint over the cracks and improvements must still be made with the club heading into 2017.

Everyone at London Stadium is looking upwards at the moment, but enormous frailties still exist in the team, and unless they're amended over the coming weeks, December's progression may prove worthless.

With just days remaining in 2016, we look at three things West Ham need to improve on during 2017 to guarantee their Premier League survival for another season.

Make the London Stadium a fortress

The much-anticipated move to the London Stadium occurred this season, but the Hammers have not settled into life at their new arena.

Last season, the team built the foundation of their success upon results at Upton Park. Far too regularly teams have come to the London Stadium, however, and played like the home side.

If Bilic can continue the team's recent revival at the London Stadium, relegation won't be an issue. Going forward, however, the club and the players need to do a lot more to make it feel like home.

Solidify the defence

Whether it's signing another defender or adopting a more defensive approach, Slaven Bilic must guarantee the Hammers tighten up at the back.

The third-worst defence in the Premier League isn't good enough for a club with the ambitions the Hammers have.

Reinforcements may be required to guarantee the club stop conceding at such a high rate - with right-back the obvious priority position.

Injury record

The Irons' injury record this campaign has been a major factor in the club's demise from last season. Key players, new signings and lack of depth in specific positions have caused problems for Bilic's side.

Indeed, the majority of the squad has now returned to full fitness, but in 2017, Bilic must do all in his power to stop the occurring injuries.

A new physio, fitness coach or training methods may need to be brought in to prevent this recurring issue.