West Ham’s Byram feeling positive after Spurs victory

West Ham’s move to the London Stadium may not have been all plain sailing but Sam Byram believes the atmosphere for Friday night’s victory over Tottenham Hotspur proves things are now heading in the right direction.

Manuel Lanzini’s goal was enough to not only earn the Hammers victory over Spurs, but also put a big dent in any lingering titles hopes of their London rivals.

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The win also moved West Ham passed the 40-point mark, mathematically securing their Premier League survival, and into their joint-highest position of the campaign in ninth before Saturday’s games.

Byram was recalled to the starting XI in the place of Edimilson Fernandes and put in an assured performance, keeping Spurs winger Son Heung-Min quiet and also getting forward to play his part in Lanzini’s winner.

Injuries have played a part in slowing down Byram’s progress since his move from Leeds in the January 2016 transfer window but he made sure to enjoy the atmosphere, and result, on Friday night.

“I think this game means the most to the team and the fans as a whole, and it was definitely the best atmosphere I’ve felt at the new ground,” he said.

“You could really feel it on the pitch, among the players and the fans, especially when the final whistle went.

“We’ve got a tight squad and a squad full of quality, so when people are injured there are others to step in. Everyone is working together – players, staff and fans – and you could feel that in the stands and in the dressing room after the game.

“We’ve got Liverpool next, another one of the big clubs, and we showed against Tottenham what we’re all about. We’ve got two games left, we’re in ninth, which shows how tight it is and how quickly it can change. We’re looking up now, rather than down.”