Christmas is boxed off.
We're almost through the confusing days before New Year and January is within touching distance.
And we need your help - what is West Ham's New Year's resolution?
It could be a new player to sign, a tactical system to implement, an off-the-pitch matter or something else entirely.
James Jones
Fan writer
Image source, PA MediaAfter a four-match unbeaten run, Julen Lopetegui's West Ham were brutally brought back to reality on Sunday.
Losing 5-0 to this relentless, free-flowing Liverpool side is not much to be ashamed of. However, it is the manner in which it happened that frustrates fans the most.
Over the past four years we have been tough to beat, especially against the so-called "big six" clubs. We rarely conceded more than three goals in a game. Indeed, we might not have always beaten these clubs, but we would always put up a fight. We would make them work for their wins.
But this season it has just been too easy. In all competitions, we have conceded 40 goals in 21 games. We have shipped five goals in three different games, twice against Liverpool. Twenty five per cent of our goals conceded have been against the Reds, with 65% have been against the "big six" clubs.
They might be the strongest clubs in the country, but we have allowed them to blow us away without much resistance.
West Ham fans do not expect to beat teams like Liverpool, contrary to what some might believe. But we do expect effort. We do expect fight. We do expect passion.
We got none of that on Sunday and have rarely seen any of it so far this season.
Going four games unbeaten will have bought Lopetegui more time, and the club are never going to sack him for losing 5-0 to Liverpool. But how much longer can we go on like this?
Probably a little bit longer, because it is Manchester City away up next. We have won just one of our past 19 visits to Etihad Stadium, conceding 2.2 goals-per-game on average and scoring just 0.6 goals-per-game.
It could be a brutal start to 2025 for West Ham.
Find more from James Jones at We Are West Ham, external
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between West Ham and Liverpool, which the Reds won 5-0.
Here are some of your comments:
West Ham fans
James: It's really scary how easy teams can play through us. Our defence do not show an eagerness to get the ball, unlike our competitors. We make far too many mistakes and choose wrong options going forward. If Niclas Fullkrug needs to play, I'd rather see Jarrod Bowen on the left and Mohammed Kudus on the right. I don't know why we keep playing Paqueta either - he clearly has lost all motivation to try his best. The manager needs to go, and Graham Potter needs to come in. Now.
Michael: Truly awful performance. Just can't do the basics. I don't blame the manager. This is on the players and they were very poor. Spineless really.
Binner: Disappointed. To be honest, I didn't expect a different result with the way Liverpool have been playing, but our performance was disappointing. All you David Moyes haters; what do you say now, eh?
Fraser: We've got the worst goal difference outside the bottom three and, time and time again, defence is our weakest area. It was the same towards the end of the Moyes era - heavy defeats have become commonplace. We have talented defenders so there must be something lacking in terms of organisation, tactics and teamwork at the back. Get that sorted and the rest of the team have something to build on.
Liverpool fans
Shay: Liverpool were brilliant going forward but that was also a very poor West Ham team defensively. Mohamed Salah is surely in line for the Ballon d'Or next year if he keeps this up. Only Cole Palmer comes close to him in world football right now. Bigger tests to come but nice to see all our frontline get a goal. Over reliance on Mo may be also be our downfall were he to get injured.
Stephen: Another well disciplined display. Could have been double figures. Forget the contract problems - the three in question are not showing any discomfort and are just getting on with it. Role on Man Utd.
Paul: Great team performance -high intensity, attacking flair, intuitive passing and finishing. Massive gulf between these sides. Confidence is clearly high. Can Liverpool keep it up? Still plenty of harder challenges ahead.
Nick: Strolled through the game and never really got out of second gear. The transition from Jurgen Klopp to Arne Slot reminds me of when Bob Paisley took over from Bill Shankly - a more calming hand on the wheel.
Kelly Somers introduces highlights and analysis from Sunday's six Premier League fixtures.
If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.
Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:
Image source, Getty ImagesWest Ham have conceded more Premier League goals in 2024 than any other side, with their 79 goals conceded their most in a single calendar year since 1967 (85).
Image source, Getty ImagesWest Ham boss Julen Lopetegui, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We did not compete as we were thinking too today or as the opponent Liverpool demands. Today has been a tough day for us."
On if he regrets changing his starting XI: "No. We were thinking about the fact we had played three days ago and also that we had some problems today to make the lineup.
"In the first ten minutes we had the first chance in a very clear situation and after we didn't score it then it is true they overcame us and had two very clear chances. They scored the first goal but then we have the chance to draw [level] with Kudus which hit the post and then they overcome us again."
On Bowen's injury: "I do not know exactly. We will have to assess him and we will know in the coming days."
Is it unfair to judge the side against the league leaders? "Today we have played against one of the best teams in the world in this current moment, but it is true that we have to do much better."
Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?
Have your say on West Ham's performance
What did you make of Liverpool's display?
Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies
There are six games in the Premier League on Sunday, and we will bring you every moment.
Leicester v Man City (14:30)
Crystal Palace v Southampton
Everton v Nottingham Forest - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Fulham v Bournemouth
Tottenham v Wolves
West Ham v Liverpool (17:15) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
All kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.
This week, he takes on musician Emma-Jean Thackray, who is a Leeds fan.
Sutton's prediction: 0-2
Is anyone going to be able to stop Liverpool? I don't think West Ham will.
To be fair to the Hammers, they are level on points with Spurs and above Manchester United in the table, so maybe their season is just a slow burner.
So far, they have been underwhelming under Julen Lopetegui, but they have now put together a four-game unbeaten run and Jarrod Bowen seems to have become their go-to player in recent weeks.
Liverpool's ability to rotate their team could be key again here, though. They did that against Leicester last time out, when Dominik Szoboszlai and Luis Diaz dropped to the bench - I had Diaz as my Fantasy captain, so I was not happy - but it made no difference to the way they played.
Arne Slot has such great quality right through his squad that I just think the Reds will keep rolling on. They won't have as much fun as they did the last time they were in London, but they should leave with the points again.
Emma-Jean's prediction: 1-2
OK, so I really want Liverpool to win the league because there is a weird statistic where the past three times Leeds have been promoted to the top flight, they have been champions - 1963-64, 1989-90 and 2019-20. That bit of stat magic might make all the difference for us this time too.
As for this game? Well it should be a good watch and it is going to be tighter than people think, but I am backing Liverpool. That is not through any sort of love of them - only for Leeds United!
Image source, Getty ImagesJulen Lopetegui has said his West Ham team will not fear taking on Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday.
Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez will miss the match because of suspension, while three players were forced off injured during Thursday's win at Southampton.
The Hammers lost 5-1 in a Carabao Cup tie at Anfield in September.
Given those squad issues, Lopetegui was asked whether it was a "frightening" prospect to come up against an in-form Liverpool, to which he replied: "Are we afraid? No.
"We have big respect for all teams, but we have the same respect for Southampton and for Liverpool. We are talking about the best team in the Premier League - they have top players and a very good coach.
"We have to believe in our strengths and our opportunity to find solutions for the next challenge. We are happy to have this kind of match at home."
Image source, PA MediaWest Ham manager Julen Lopetegui has praised the "strong mentality" of his squad as his side prepare to host Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday.
The Hammers will take on the Premier League without suspended duo Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez.
Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, centre-back Max Kilman and midfielder Carlos Soler went off injured at Southampton on Thursday, but Lopetegui's side were still able to fashion a 1-0 victory.
"The thing I highlight is the strong mentality," said the former Wolves boss. "If we were not with a strong mentality, a competitive mentality in this kind of match, we would lose the match, I am sure.
"So that is why to highlight the mentality of the team. We started very well but didn't score in two very clear actions. After that, they had chances too and we had a lot of problems.
"We had the injury to Lukasz, to Max, to Carlos and we had two yellow cards that mean they are not allowed to play in the next match. A lot of things happened that highlighted we have kept a good and strong mentality.
"The players on the bench showed they were ready, which is good news because you don't know what is going to happen, so you have to be ready to be competitive."
Full commentary of West Ham v Liverpool from 17:15 GMT on Sunday on BBC Radio 5 Live
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your thoughts after Thursday's Premier League game between Southampton and West Ham.
Here are some of your comments:
Southampton fans
Cliff: We looked a lot more solid at the back and moved the ball quicker, but the lack of confidence, along with the quality in the final third and poor finishing, was the difference once again. Saints can improve their performances as much as we like but ultimately, it will come down to our same old problem: we simply don't have a quality finisher and don't score anywhere near enough goals.
John: When your luck is out, it can become very hard to remain positive; Saints certainly didn't deserve to lose.
M.Francis: One bad mistake at the back and Aaron Ramsdale should have cleared it. As soon as that goal went in, Saints heads dropped and in typical fashion, we missed too many chances. We need a clinical finisher in readiness for next season in the Championship.
Steve: Well that was different - pushing forward constantly and much improved. If we play like that for the rest of the season it could be quite exciting. It's a shame big Paul Onuachu didn't have his shooting head on we could have run away with this game. Overall very encouraging.
West Ham fans
Dave: Yet another substandard performance - we were lucky to get the win. Southampton's performance was better than their league position. We still lack that spark and Lopetegui doesn't know his best team or the players best positions. I am dreading the Liverpool result.
Leigh: Although Southampton had their fair enough amount of chances in front of goal, I thought West Ham were quite comfortable in defence. Unfortunately we lost Lukasz Fabanski in goal but Alphonse Areola was a worthy sub anyway. On the balance of play, Hammers just edged it and Jarrod Bowen took his chance well. Good decision for a change with VAR overturning the 'red' card to a yellow too. Fair play to Mr Atwell.
Stephen: Another lacklustre performance. Fortunately Southampton were not much better. Thankfully, we somehow won the game and three points. I expect we will finish somewhere around mid-table but I'm writing off this season which is so disappointing after a big spending spree in the summer.
Mark: It was three points. Nothing more. Even before Max Kilman and Fabianski's substitutions we were conceding the initiative to a team that has just six points. Mohammed Kudus was indifferent. He doesn't want to be out left and it shows. Without Bowen, we would be toast. A win but a desperately poor showing. Liverpool will eat us alive. Apart from improved possession, there is nothing at all to be cheerful about.
Highlights and analysis from Boxing Day's eight Premier League fixtures.
If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.
Ben Collins
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, ReutersWest Ham have had to manage without summer signing Niclas Fullkrug for most of the season, while Michail Antonio's involvement in a car accident means he will be out for a long spell.
The Hammers then lost defender Max Kilman and goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski to injury in the first half, and also had to replace Carlos Soler at the interval.
But manager Julen Lopetegui was pleased with the way his side regrouped before Fullkrug flicked on for Jarrod Bowen to grab the game's only goal as Southampton's early intensity dropped.
Just a few weeks ago, Lopetegui's position was in doubt, but for the first time this season, his side has gone four games unbeaten in the Premier League.
West Ham are now looking forward to the challenge of hosting leaders Liverpool on Sunday, and if Fullkrug can stay fit - and their latest injuries are not long-term - perhaps Lopetegui does have a future with the Hammers after all.
Image source, Getty ImagesJulen Lopetegui spoke to Match of the Day after West Ham's win over Southampton: "Lukasz Fabianski is conscious. I talked with him. Max Kilman has a problem with his shoulder, Carlos Soler has a problem with his knee. Today we have a lot of problems. But we were able to overcome these difficulties.
"We started well and had chances but did not score. They overcame this moment and had chances too. The second half was very balanced. We suffered as a team to achieve three points."
On going four games unbeaten and what has changed: "We don't change our way to work. The players have the commitment to work together as a team. We know we can do better and we want to win more matches."
Image source, Getty ImagesJarrod Bowen scored his 48th Premier League goal, taking him outright second in West Ham's leading Premier League scorers, with only Michail Antonio now scoring more (68). It was also his 100th league goal in English football's top four tiers.
Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?
Have your say on Southampton's performance
What did you make of West Ham's display?
Come back to this page on Friday to find a selection of your replies
