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Former West Ham striker John Hartson has praised the club’s start to the Premier League season, and hailed Sam Allardyce’s ‘shrewd’ business during the summer transfer window.
Victory over QPR last weekend saw the Hammers jump above both Arsenal and Liverpool into seventh place, having collected three wins and a draw from their opening seven matches.
Tasked with bringing attacking football back to Upton Park, Allardyce’s side have received widespread praise for their football so far this season.
Hartson admits he’s been impressed with them so far, and has hailed the rejuvenated Stewart Downing for playing the ‘best football’ he’s ever seen from him.
"Form wise, West Ham have been playing well,” Hartson told the club’s official website. “West Ham got a great result against Liverpool here the other week. They were a little bit unfortunate to lose at Manchester United because they could have got a point there.
“On another day it might not have been ruled offside, if it were here instead of Old Trafford it might have been a different story. That's the bit of luck you need."
"Sakho's already got five goals this season,” he continued. “Stewart Downing is playing the best football I've seen from him, I wouldn't be surprised if he got a call up to the England squad soon, he's been playing that well.
"They’ve brought in some pace to the side with Enner Valencia who I saw do very, very well for Ecuador in the World Cup. That was a shrewd bit of business.”
Hartson scored 24 goals in 60 appearances for the Hammers, and believes that in Diafra Sakho, West Ham have finally signed a striker who give the side much needed firepower.
"Every team needs goals it's as simple as that,” Hartson added. “Under Sam Allardyce West Ham are very strong defensively. Reid and Tomkins are both very strong, then you've got James Collins as well, a good friend of mine.
"But you need goals. West Ham haven't had a 15-20 goals a season striker for a while now and they've brought in Sakho, who's a threat - you can play it into his feet and expect shots on target, he's a good finisher.
“He's fast, he's strong, he's a presence,” he continued. “So it's important to have a player you know will finish the chances you make for him."
The former Wales international arrived at Upton Park from Arsenal in 1997, and has praised the acquisition of former Gunners midfielder Alex Song, who arrived on loan this summer from La Liga giants Barcelona.
"He's got great experience,” said Hartson. “He's fantastic at sitting in front of the defence. He can maraud around the midfield, he's good on the ball and he's another presence on the pitch.
"I think the new signings have all been very good additions to the squad. Song, obviously coming from Barcelona, has played at the biggest stage. He'll help the younger players in the squad too which can only be a good thing for the club.