3 reasons why West Ham will clinch a European place this season

Carroll’s return like new signing

West Ham were seriously struggling for goals prior to Andy Carroll’s return from injury, but the England international appears to given the whole club a huge boost since he came back into the side.

The 28-year-old sustained an injury in their Europa League play-off against Astra Giurgiu back in August, and didn’t appear for the Hammers again until their 5-1 defeat to Arsenal on December 3.

However, his return has felt like a new signing, as the former Newcastle and Liverpool forward has scored six goals in just 11 Premier League appearances, including four in his last four games.

His stunning volley against Crystal Palace was indicative of a player full of confidence and enjoying his football, and there’s no coincidence that Carroll’s return to the side has concurred with West Ham’s upturn in form.

They are a much better side with him in it, and if Carroll can stay fit for the rest of the campaign, the Hammers could be knocking on the door of the European places come May.