West Ham picked up an amazing point against title-chasing Arsenal, coming from two goals down to fightback to draw 2-2.
The London Stadium was bouncing, the players should the character and desire they had been lacking for much of the season and David Moyes tactics to play more direct in second-half was rewarded as Rob Holding and Gabriel struggled to cope with Michail Antonio running the channels and chasing lost causes.
The Hammers’ draw and the win away at Fulham when the pressure was on has the ability to start a late resurgence… it’s now or never for Moyes.
West Ham must use Arsenal draw as stepping stone for a potentially incredible end of the season.
The confidence gained from the weekend should not be underestimated. Getting something out of the game in such a manner versus one of the best team’s in Europe is an great achievement. The likes of Lucas Paqueta is looking more settled than ever, and Vladimir Coufal and Jarrod Bowen look back to their bests.
It is vital it is not just an one-off good performance. It must be built on and the confidence must take West Ham to Premier League safety and potential Conference League glory.
Gent are up next on Thursday night with the tie 1-1 after a lacklustre first leg display. Moyes must use the momentum from Sunday for the crucial European tie in what is such a big game given the huge chance for the club to win a trophy. If West Ham play to their best ability they should win the game, but Gent shouldn’t be underestimated. A win over the Belgian side would suddenly bring confidence up to a level not seen at any point this term.
It would also be at a crucial time with relegation six-pointers to come at Bournemouth and Crystal Palace. After Leeds, Everton and Nottingham Forest all lost over the weekend, there is a feeling that another win or two would be enough to keep West Ham in the Prem. A victory and a draw in our next two matches won’t guarantee safety, but it would bring our heads nicely above water. Defeats leave us in a perilous position.
Moyes has been on the brink of the sack for a number of months now. It remains to be seen whether he will be in charge next season, no matter how this campaign ends for West Ham. But now is the manager’s chance to prove his doubters wrong and show the dressing room is still on side. This season can still be a huge success and it will be determined within the next few weeks.