Irons feel at home away from home

WEST HAM are not exactly short of reasons to miss their beloved old Upton Park ground.

And their form against the Premier League’s big boys will be one that is high up on the list.

But finally, by stunning Tottenham to deal a decisive blow to their title hopes, they secured a result to make the London Stadium start feeling like home.

They have been patiently waiting for one. The Hammers loved giving the top clubs a bloody nose at the Boleyn.

But their guests have found their new base far too welcoming a place to visit and West Ham such accommodating hosts this term.

It has all been a huge contrast to last year when Chelsea, Liverpool – twice – Spurs and Manchester United were beaten, while Arsenal and Manchester City were held to draws at Upton Park.

October’s EFL Cup win against Chelsea looked to have announced their arrival at the London Stadium. But that has proved to be an exception rather than the rule.

Arsenal hammered them soon after, United cruised to victory and City turned up twice in a month and put nine unanswered goals past the Irons.

City chief Pep Guardiola revealingly said: “The pitch, the stadium helped us. In England, the stadiums are close and it looks like the space is smaller and the opponent arrives quicker. Here it looks like you have more time.”

Chelsea benefitted too in March, but Spurs had no such joy last night. And West Ham and their keeper Adrian (above) finally had a big league win to remember.