SQUAD GAME

Johnson says Irons can handle loss of stars

- MATTHEW DUNN

BEN JOHNSON insists West Ham have the squad to keep their Christmas form going on into the New Year.

The Hammers were top of the festive tree after three wins and a draw from four games during the holiday period better than any other team in the Premier League.

That came despite a number of injuries and, for the 0-0 draw against Brighton at the London Stadium, call-ups for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Illness also took its toll, but nevertheless that point on Tuesday consolidated West Ham's position in sixth place on the back of four successive clean sheets in the league.