West Ham has lost only twice in the Premier League this season
There have been four Premier League wins in succession, placing third in the table, and Chelsea three points behind. Is it time for West Ham to be considered a title contender?
Liverpool was stunned by the Hammers' win on Sunday, allowing Jurgen Klopp's side to jumpfrog them in the table going into the international break.
Although there is still much to be done, David Moyes' team has looked great and are fully deserving of their place amongst the other regulars.
Pablo Fornals (West Ham forward) sees no reason for them to limit their ambitions this season. He scored in the 3-2 win over the Reds.
When asked if they could win the title, he replied to BBC Sport that he didn't know. It's too early to know. It is too early to say, but we are fighting for every game like we did today.
How far can they go this season, you ask?
Candidates for the Relegation to the top-four
David Moyes is now in his second spell as West Ham manager
West Ham was just two points short of a top four finish last season, but they have not taken that as a defeat and instead built on it.
Moyes took over the Hammers in 2012, turning them from a side that was languishing at the bottom of the table to one who deserves their current position in the top three.
Their achievements in 2021 have been especially impressive. They have already scored 65 points in Premier League this year. Only reigning Premier League champions Manchester City (80), and current European champions Chelsea (66) have more.
The combination of a disciplined defense and speed on the counter to pick off teams is key to this impressive form.
They are also set-piece specialists in the Premier League. These situations were the source of two of their three goals against Liverpool. Moyes's watch, West Ham has scored 32 Premier League goals in set-pieces under Moyes, five more than any other team.
Moyes doesn't want to get too excited about the results, despite them being eye-catching.
When asked if his side were title contenders, he replied that he wanted to be positive all the while.
"We were two points behind Champions League football - why shouldn't we be there?"
"We don't want to get carried away, but it is good for the moment."
"Enjoy the ride" - but can they do it with a Leicester?
The 2015-16 Premier League title victory by Leicester is one of the most significant moments in competition history.
The 2015-16 Premier League title victory of Leicester shows that unexpected things can be achieved when everyone works together, including the players, manager and team spirit.
West Ham and that Leicester team have a lot in common. Moyes, their manager, is a skilled one who, just like his Everton days was able to get maximum out of his squad.
A strong team spirit is evident among the players, who fight for one another in every match.
Clinton Morrison, a former Crystal Palace striker, said that "Nobody expected Leicester would win the Premier League", and added that "strange things have occurred."
It will be hard because they have to increase their squad. Let these fans, the manager, and the players enjoy the ride. It's a great time at West Ham right now.
Klopp fumes over two key decisions
Alisson lost a corner in his own net to score West Ham's first goal.
Liverpool's defeat ended their chances of breaking the club record of 26 consecutive games unbeaten.
Although they came close, a Sadio mane header in the final minutes of play bounced just wide, boss Jurgen Klopp felt that two crucial decisions were against him.
The first was the decision to not rule out West Ham's goal for Alisson by Angelo Ogbonna's foul on goalkeeper Alisson, and the second was to not send off Aaron Cresswell for his challenge against Jordan Henderson in the first period.
Klopp stated that the team lost that match. It's clear that Alisson was fouled. How can it be? It's impossible to see how this could be considered a foul given the circumstances.
"I saw the situation with Aaron, Hendo and now it was clear to me that it's a red card. There's no room for discussion. This is not a way to approach a challenge.
The signs point to a close-fought, unpredictable title battle with big teams losing points and West Ham challenging the traditional order.
