Ward-Prowse: There were plenty of positives and lots to build on

It is not just the team as a collective that has impressed this season – Ward-Prowse has also shone individually.

The 28-year-old has registered two goals and five assists in his first seven games as a Hammer and he paid tribute to everyone at the Hammers – from the fans to staff behind the scenes – for helping him settle so quickly following his move from the south coast.

“Everybody at the Club has been incredibly welcoming to me,” he added. “I knew a couple of the lads before arriving here, which made things easier, but the Player Care team, all of the staff at the training ground, everybody has been so welcoming to me, made me feel straight at home and allowed me to do my thing on the pitch.

“Of course the fans have been terrific, and it helps that we’ve had a good start and we’ve had a few performances against some of the top teams. There are plenty of positives and lots to build on.”