Of all London’s clubs, West Ham’s season remains most difficult to rate approaching the finale.
Premier League survival has been assured but should never really have been in doubt and the Hammers’ finishing position, however comfortable in the end, will be way down on preseason projections.
On the other hand, a first European final in 47 years lies in wait, as does the possibility of lifting a trophy in an era when so few clubs outside the elite get chance.
Here, Standard Sport assesses the 2022-23 season at the London Stadium…
Season in one word: Salvaged.
Star of the show: It can only be Declan Rice. Even his form has suffered at times but he has remained a class apart.
Biggest letdown: Gianluca Scamacca. West Ham have been crying out for a striker for a couple of seasons, but the £30.5m Italian has made little impact, not helped by injury.
Most improved player: No obvious answer year-on-year, but Michail Antonio looked a busted flush at one stage and his return to form in the last few months has been crucial.
Game to remember: Their 4-1 win over Gent. Survival not yet secured, West Ham were 1-0 down and heading out of Europe as well, but a brilliant second half proved a turning point.
Game to forget: A 4-0 defeat to Brighton on a day when relegation fears and anti-Moyes sentiment peaked.
Rising star: Divin Mubama. Prolific striker led the Under-18s’ double-winning season to close on first-team role.
Manager verdict: On the brink of the sack several times, but deserves huge credit for keeping season afloat. First major silverware of his career would make it difficult for club to call time.
Fans’ mood: Struggles of the campaign have not been forgotten, but dissent seems to have been parked for the sake of unity ahead of historic European final.
Grade: TBC. League has obviously been a huge disappointment, but if West Ham can lift a European trophy, this season will be remembered for little else.
