Any fan would admit that, despite a Carling Cup thrashing of Manchester United that saw them reach the semi-finals of the competition, West Ham have struggled this season.

However, perhaps their biggest problem at the moment is an element of delusion in some quarters. Avram Grant appears to be the main culprit in this respect and his comments made after yesterday’s defeat at the hands of a dominant Sunderland team embodied an apparent unwillingness to accept the reality of the Hammers’ situation. With a number of pundits making West Ham betting tips for relegation, something needs to change and soon.

Sunderland completely outplayed West Ham yesterday at the Stadium of Light and, despite a better showing in the second half, the visitors looked completely lacking in ideas and were entirely woeful in attack. Craig Gordon in the Sunderland goal could hardly have asked for a quieter, easier afternoon, with Carlton Cole struggling again. The football transfer rumours have linked him with a move away from the club, and it may be time to cash in.

However, rather than using this defeat to point out the weaknesses threatening to send the Hammers down to the Championship at the end of the season, Grant decided instead look for optimism where there was really none to be found.

With West Ham currently bearing the astounding statistic of failing to win away from home since the opening day of last season, Grant decided to state that he’s confident the squad has enough quality to stay up, while pointing out “the gap is not too big” between them and the other teams currently in danger in and around the relegation zone.

Although the strength in depth of the squad that West Ham have and the squads at clubs such as Wigan and Wolves probably aren’t too dissimilar, the fact remains that the Hammers lack the confidence that results from putting on a decent display on the road.

Until they can bring an end to their dismal away record in the league and prove to their fans they have the fighting spirit needed to stave off relegation, the gap between them and their nearest rivals will continue to grow.