10 minutes ago
Since West Ham arrived seven years ago, much emphasis has been placed on the atmosphere at the London Stadium.
After a difficult first few years in our new home, things began to improve. It would always take time. No stadium migration is easy and it didn't help that we were battling relegation in our first few years at Stratford.
Things have understandably improved since David Moyes returned to the club. I've always said that the atmosphere in a stadium reflects what the fans see on the field. When the team wins, fans are more likely to show appreciation. More wins, especially big wins against rivals or in cup competitions, means fans create memories and develop a stronger bond with their new surroundings.
We've seen a lot of this grow over the last three seasons. Victories over teams like Spurs, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Sevilla are remembered not just for the result but also for the atmosphere that day. Especially Sevilla's win, which is arguably the best we've seen at Stratford so far.
After the weekend's draw against Crystal Palace, there were rumors among the fan base that the mood was tense and had been for some time. And this despite the fact that the team remained relatively successful. We've just won our first silverware in a generation, are in the top half of the Premier League table and are in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
So why don't fans feel the need to cheer up at home? Is it the style of football? Perhaps. One thing we can't fault though is the stadium. That can't be an excuse anymore, not after we've already seen how much fantastic atmosphere we can create there.
I don't know what the answer is. But every finger pointing at the stadium is pointing in the wrong direction. There is now enough evidence that the London Stadium can rock if the fans feel like it.
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