Fewer than four weeks ago, West Ham were creeping perilously towards the new season, shorn of their best player, yet to buy a single one in his stead and with fears last year's relegation scrap might be in danger of a repeat.
It is fair to say, then, that the mood in east London has transformed quite markedly, David Moyes's side off to a flying start in the Premier League having spent Saturday night atop its early table, and now with a midfield rebuild for the post-Declan Rice age complete.
