After all the trials and traumas, are West Ham back on an even keel?

West Ham slumped to their first away defeat of the season at St James’ Park. Goals from Charles N’Zogbia and a brace from evergreen striker Mark Viduka were enough to send the Hammers home with nothing but a few bottles of Geordie ale.

'But the fears persist and Hammers fans have been almost conditioned to expect the worst'

Now for the East End loyalists among us this has been an encouraging start to the season. The opening day defeat to Sven’s brand new Manchester City model might have startled some of us. But West Ham’s recent form may just spark off a minor street party in Newham.

How different to last season when one trauma followed another. This was the season of course when the Hammers were almost taunted by turmoil. From the moment Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez jumped aboard the good ship West Ham trouble followed.

Thankfully, though, the storm has now subsided, the mists have cleared and the Hammers are on a steady course. After reeling off seven successive wins to avoid relegation to the Championship, West Ham have now moved into the buoyant waters of the Premier League’s top ten.