Mid-season report: West Ham United

Sam Allardyce was probably as surprised as anyone that he retained his job as West Ham United manager during the summer.

A large majority of the Upton Park faithful had grown frustrated with Allardyce's style of play, but between 'Big Sam' and the West Ham board, a statement was released that promised the critics a more entertaining brand of football during the 2014-15 campaign.

So, have Allardyce and his players delivered? Here, Sports Mole has reviewed the opening five months to the new campaign from a West Ham point of view.

August

Allardyce undoubtedly had more pressure on his shoulders than any of his counterparts heading into the new season and that intensified greatly throughout the opening month.

London rivals Tottenham Hotspur were first up at Upton Park, but despite dominating the contest, the Hammers slumped to a 1-0 defeat thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Spurs debutant Eric Dier. West Ham's cause was not helped by the usually reliable Mark Noble missing a penalty in the first half.

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There was better news next time out away at Crystal Palace, with Mauro Zarate and Stewart Downing among the goals in a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Yet, the month would end in defeats, firstly at the hands of League One side Sheffield United, who won 5-4 on penalties in the Capital One Cup. Then, a brace from Morgan Schneiderlin saw Southampton leave East London with all three points. Having failed to win three of their first four matches, the writing appeared to be on the wall for Allardyce.

September

West Ham parted with big money to sign Ecuador international Enner Valencia, but he gave the impression that he was going to be worth the £12m outlay as he smashed in a memorable goal during the 2-2 draw at Hull City.

Next time out, Valencia would play the support role as Liverpool were put to sword with arguably one of West Ham's most memorable performances since Allardyce took charge of the club.

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Early goals from Winston Reid and Diafra Sakho put the hosting Hammers in command, only for Raheem Sterling to hit back for the visitors before the break. However, with two minutes remaining, Morgan Amalfitano ensured that the home side's efforts were rewarded when he made it 3-1.

A 2-1 defeat to Manchester United brought an end to September, but that comprehensive win over Liverpool at least hinted that there were brighter times ahead.

October

Allardyce may have had doubts over Sakho's ability to cut it in the Premier League, but the striker appeared determined to prove his manager wrong.

The Senegalese centre-forward was among the goals once again in a 2-0 home win over Queens Park Rangers, with the other goal being scored by visiting defender Nedum Onuoha.

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On the road, West Ham made it back-to-back victories when they visited Burnley. Sakho continued his fine form when he scored the game's opening goal, before further goals from Valencia and Carlton Cole secured a 3-1 win over Sean Dyche's strugglers.

As far as October was concerned, though, West Ham left the best until last. Champions Manchester City were the visitors to Upton Park, but they would leave empty handed as goals from Amalfitano and Sakho earned Allardyce's charges an impressive 2-1 victory.

November

In beating QPR, Burnley and Man City, West Ham had played some slick attacking football, but away at Stoke City in early November, some grit was required.

When Mame Biram Diouf put the hosting Potters 2-0 up at the Britannia Stadium in the 56th minute, it seemed that the trip back to London would be a disappointing one for the Hammers faithful. However, goals from Downing and Valencia drew West Ham level and they even had chances to win the encounter, but it wasn't to be.

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That was followed by a 0-0 draw at home with Aston Villa, who had goalkeeper Brad Guzan to thank for the point. The American made numerous impressive saves, including two from the fit-again Andy Carroll.

The disappointment continued away at Everton in the form of a 2-1 loss, but the response was at least positive as left-back Aaron Cresswell scored his first goal for the club in a 1-0 win over Newcastle United.

December

Kevin Nolan and James Tomkins scored the goals as West Ham overturned a one-goal deficit to win 2-1 at West Bromwich Albion at the start of December, before Carroll showed that he was approaching full match fitness when Swansea made the trip to East London.

The England international scored twice in a 3-1 win over the Welsh outfit, which had some wondering if the Hammers could actually sustain a challenge for one of the Champions League places.

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A goal from Downing earned his side a point away at Sunderland and he was on the scoresheet once again, along with Carroll, when Leicester City were defeated 2-0 in front of the West Ham faithful.

The year would end, though, with a large dose of reality. League leaders Chelsea won the Boxing Day encounter at Stamford Bridge 2-0, with skipper John Terry opening the scoring, while 48 hours later Arsenal claimed all three points from their short trip to Upton Park. Even so, as they head into 2015, you will not find too many West Ham fans grumbling about their side's displays so far this term.

Position at start of 2015: 6th

Star player so far: Stewart Downing

Must do better: Mark Noble

Where they need to strengthen in January: Centre-back

Mid-season grade: B

To see West Ham's remaining fixtures in 2014-15, click here.