Saturday 25 November 2017 11:20, UK
West Ham's positive performance in their 1-1 draw with Leicester has given them their 'first block' to progress under David Moyes, says Gary Neville.
Cheikhou Kouyate's header just before half-time cancelled out Marc Albrighton's opener for Leicester at the London Stadium, with the home fans getting behind their side in the second half hoping to force a winner.
The noise levels rose, but Moyes' side could not find a second, though Neville said on Friday Night Football that there are many positives to take from the performance.
"We were here three or four weeks ago against Brighton, and we had nothing positive to say about West Ham, because what they put out on the pitch was pitiful, pathetic.
"Tonight, they've put out a foundation with the work rate, particularly in the second half, and the fans being with them, they'll get a lot of belief from that.
"It's difficult to go from so low, to then play brilliant football. You've got to go one block at a time, and tonight they've built the first block.
"The atmosphere was incredible in here at times, and the crowd have set a standard now in terms of atmosphere."
West Ham now go to fellow strugglers Everton on Tuesday, before tough clashes against leaders Man City (away), Chelsea (home) and Arsenal (home).
Neville feels the difficult upcoming fixture list could be a positive for Moyes, and almost acts as a 'free hit' for the new Hammers manager.
"They've got a big game against Everton on Tuesday, but they've got something to go on now. I think the fans appreciated it in the second half.
"When you look at that run of fixtures, there are two ways of looking at it. Yes, it's painful, you'll have to restrict the scores, but also you could call it a free hit, an opportunity for David Moyes to make a name for himself here and get them back on track. They've got something to build upon at least."
West Ham fans made themselves heard in the second half, bouncing in unison to get behind their side after a torrid start to the season, and Jamie Carragher said the home side showed an energy rarely seen at their new stadium.
"The way the crowd lifted the players. When they did, they looked quicker, sharper in the game. That's the first time I've seen West Ham in this new stadium where I've actually enjoyed the game and seeing West Ham play.
"There was energy, fight in the second half, which has been lacking. I saw some reasons [why they could stay up] tonight, I hadn't seen any this season. I worry for West Ham, and there's a long way to go of course, it's a new manager, and there could be new additions in January.
"West Ham have got the point tonight on the back of energy, the crowd, commitment, can they do that every time? It's difficult."
