AFTER the glittering baubles of three festive wins, West Ham's fans suffered a slow-burning Yuletide log of a game to start 2024.
Three victories out of three Premier League games - including claiming the scalps of Manchester United and Arsenal - have lifted the Hammers up the tree to within sight of those top five places.
More importantly, as the sound of Christmas sleigh bells died away, they were replaced by the sound of imminent contract talks from the boardroom when a year ago it very much looked like boss David Moyes' current deal might be his last.
Strike while the Irons board is hot, as the saying should go in east London.
Because too many more of these drab 0-0 draws in the new year and promises could turn out to be as easily forgot as auld acquaintances.
That would be grossly unfair on Moyes after he admitted that 2023 had been his best year in management.
It took 26 minutes of the opening match of 2024 for Jarrod Bowen finally to cause a stir - allowed to carry on, despite clearly being offside - his shot was tipped on to the post (right).
Denne historien er fra January 03, 2024-utgaven av Daily Mirror UK.
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Denne historien er fra January 03, 2024-utgaven av Daily Mirror UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
FEARLESS BEN A BAZ SINGER
BEN DUCKETT says working with coach Brendon McCullum has taken his game to a new level – because Bazball has removed the fear factor.
BALDWIN IS ONE HELLUVA DRIVER
World No.363 Matt is lining up a shock win at Wentworth... but says he was more nervous in days when he drové his Amazon van!
HOUGHT TO END ON A HIGH
Danny says the good times will return at Hull as he prepares for his final match
Hire and higher
One of Britain's last film rental stores is enjoying the busiest time in its 29-year history, thanks to a surge in interest from nostalgia-seeking movie buffs.
Mum should be proud...she made me a warrior
Joshua's mother helped him steer away from a life of crime
FOOLISH IDEA TO MAKE DEL A MILLIONAIRE
Sir David: It ruined Fools and Horses
Dishonesty is not one of my Traits
Tall story, or will Richard be Celebrity Traitor?
Liar, lover, mother, diamond thief.. it's all true
GoT's Sophie on getting under the skin of an unlikely heroine
To friends...
Battle of Arnhem hero, 99, returns to salute the fallen
£5.5M AFTER BEING STABBED IN PRISON
Burglar left with fear of kitchens after killer's attack
