In-form Irons look good for top 10

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West Ham are now just one point away from the Holy Grail, the Everest for all bottom-half clubs harbouring hopes of staying in the top flight.

40 points is the summit almost reached for Sam Allardyce and his team – and it should have already been surpassed after Wednesday night’s 2-2 draw with soon-to-be-champions Manchester United.

For the best part of 70 minutes a dynamic, physical and confident Hammers side outplayed the best team in England and would have taken all three points were it not for a linesman in need of a trip to Optical Express.

Andy Carroll battered the United back four, Mohamed Diame and Kevin Nolan controlled the midfield, and James Collins had Robin van Persie in his gigantic back pocket.

Finally the team is back to its best, recapturing the early season form which had everyone dreaming of a top 10 finish.

The back four was magnificent against the league leaders, providing a steel which has been missing for long parts of the season, and of course the flying Finn in goal making his usual array of saves.

Even despite Van Persie’s equaliser there was cause for celebration at Upton Park.

With five games left we’re all but safe and handily placed to sneak into the top 10, especially with the League Cup curse striking again with Swansea.

There are some tough fixtures to come if we are to secure a top-half finish, but with the likes of Carroll striking fear into the hearts of defenders and goalkeepers alike, there’s no reason why it can’t be done.

Winnable home games against Wigan, Newcastle and Reading, who will probably be down by then, are sandwiched by tough away trips to Manchester City and Champions League chasing Everton.

The fact that I’m even thinking about a high finish is remarkable, and maybe owes something to the fact that I am due a tenner from my housemate should we finish above his beloved Southampton.

As a student, that £10 could go a long way, maybe for some toiletries, a couple of Tesco ready meals…or possibly just a few beers.

So come on Big Sam and the boys, let’s finish the season on a high, as the thought of losing a tenner is unthinkable for my bank account!

You can find Greg on Twitter – and don’t forget to follow @FanZone for links to all the latest blogs.