After back-to-back defeats against Leeds and Manchester United that dented their hopes of a top-four finish, it felt like the winter break came at a good time for West Ham.
Here are three issues for the Hammers to resolve over the next two weeks…
Bolster the ranks
David Moyes is keen to add two players to his squad before the transfer window closes next week.
West Ham are in need of a defender and a striker this month as they look to boost their Champions League push.
Moyes has often spoken of the need to add a burst of energy in this window, just as they did when signing Jesse Lingard last season when he helped them to finish sixth.
West Ham cannot match the depth and resources of their top-four rivals, but smart business this month can give them a fighting chance.
Rest
Continuing the theme of managing that smaller squad, everyone looks in need of a break.
With Europa League football added to the load this season, the squad has been stretched to the limit and looked short of energy in the defeats by Leeds and Manchester United.
West Ham were stretched all over against Leeds and looked tired going forward at Old Trafford.
Players have been given time off this week, with Declan Rice heading to Scotland for a tour of some of the finest golf courses on offer north of the border, and will hopefully return fit and firing for a top-four tilt.
Get the best from Soucek
Tomas Soucek has been a key man for West Ham since his arrival from Slavia Prague two years ago.
After settling on an initial six-month loan, the midfielder was a menace last year - dominating teams week in, week out and scoring 10 goals to boot.
This season, the Czech has been dropped to a deeper role in the midfield as Rice has been given licence to roam a little more.
At this point last season, Soucek had seven Premier League goals, this term it stands at just three after 21 appearances.
His role has changed and Soucek has still been making an impact, but not to the level everyone knows he is capable of.
Finding the right balance in the middle again could make all the difference.
