YULE NOT BE SORRY ABOUT MISSING THIS

Hammers play a dud as their festive fiesta is long gone

- MATTHEW DUNN

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).