David Moyes has opened up on how close the Premier League has become with West Ham United, Brentford and Brighton all taking 'big strides' in recent years and fighting for European spots.
The Hammers have qualified for Europe the past two seasons via top seven finishes in the Premier League but this season find themselves looking to avoid relegation to the Championship.
In their place for a place in Europe next year, Brighton and Brentford have emerged with both teams in with a chance of not only a place in the UEFA Europa Conference League for the Bees but a possible UEFA Champions League spot for the Seagulls.
READ MORE: 'The biggest thing' - David Moyes makes Michail Antonio goals admission following Gent brace
Another team fighting for a top-seven finish are Liverpool, who have endured a difficult season similar to the east London outfit this year and are unlikely to finish in the top four this campaign.
And with everyone firmly set on finishing as strong as possible, Moyes that while his side can't boast a strong history like Jurgen Klopp's side, West Ham can be proud of their recent success in the league - as can Brighton and Brentford who haven't always been this high up in England's top-flight.
"Being here twice and avoiding relegation twice was a huge job, certainly the second time and then taking it into a team who qualifies for Europe," said Moyes. "We are seeing a superb Brentford team this year and a really strong Brighton team who haven’t always been at the top.
"There are years you can make big strides and we did it two years ago. We have tried to hang on to it which we did for the majority of last season with a European semi-final and last game of the season we were a second half away from finishing sixth in the Premier League for the second year in a row.
"That’s how close it has been. Sometimes you drop out and seventh doesn’t sound as good but we have had two fantastic years. We know this year… I hear Jurgen Klopp and he talks really well and cleverly about not talking about the past. I understand that for Liverpool but here at West Ham we are still trying to build. Liverpool have an incredible history. We have one here but not a recent history.
"The last couple of years there has been a bit where people may say: ‘By the way, that’s better, that’s not bad’. We tried to do something this year and it is not the way we would absolutely like it to be done. I would have liked to have been in the League Cup final or FA Cup final. But to make a European final it would be sensational and trying to avoid the wrong end of the table."
READ NEXT
- The reasons behind David Moyes' passionate West Ham celebrations during Gent win
- Every word David Moyes said on West Ham’s Gent win, Declan Rice, Lucas Paqueta and Europe
- ‘He’s some player’ - David Moyes gives verdict on Declan Rice after West Ham stunner vs Gent
- West Ham player ratings: Declan Rice and Michail Antonio star in Gent win to set up semi-final
- West Ham midfielder makes Declan Rice claim ahead of Europa Conference League showdown
