FIVE-POINTPLAN

KEEP PLAYERS FIT Pellegrini had to work without half of a starting XI in his first season: Wilshere, Carlos Sanchez, Lanzini, Yarmolenko, Andy Carroll and Winston Reid all spent most of the 2018-19 campaign unavailable. The fact that he still managed to swerve a relegation battle (after October, anyway) suggests that, with a fully fit squad, Pellegrini could really achieve something special.

CULTIVATE RICE AS THE NEXT CAPTAIN Declan Rice spent half of last season on a contract worth just £3,000 a week. It was embarrassing. Now, West Ham should be working overtime to make the starlet feel extra special. As Noble gradually bows out of the side, Rice should take the armband.

FIND A CONSISTENT FRONTMAN Arnautovic started 24 matches and scored 10 goals last season. Javier Hernandez managed 14 starts and seven goals. Andy Carroll was – unsurprisingly – injured throughout, starting only two games, while fellow departee Lucas Perez started just four. At its best, Pellegrini’s system needs the smaller, trickier playmakers to buzz around a focal point. That will be new £45 million signing Sebastien Haller – if he can perform consistently, this Hammers team will function properly.

PLAY EVERY GAME AS IF IT’S A LONDON DERBY West Ham beat Crystal Palace at home, Fulham home and away, Arsenal at home and, beautifully, Spurs away. The roar and passion generated in the London derbies is reminiscent of the old times at Upton Park. Now the Irons need to create that atmosphere against Brighton and Burnley, too.

SHAMPOO THAT CARPET For two years, Irons fans were promised a lush new claret carpet surrounding the pitch. Then, on April 20, it finally appeared. West Ham promptly drew 2-2 with Leicester and Michail Antonio celebrated his goal by luxuriating in the gorgeous deep-pile. Inspired, the team went on to win their final three Premier League games of the season. Coincidence? Of course not.