Over-achievers ready for test of progress

THEY say possession is nine tenths of the law but for West Ham manager Alan Pardew it is also the secret behind his side’s rapid acclimatisation to life in the Premiership.

Tonight the Hammers host Wigan, the other successful import from last season's Championship table, and both teams have already earned the right to bill it as one of the most attractive fixtures of the festive period.

They have confounded the pundits by picking up points against sides that have long been established in the top flight and for the Hammers confidence on the ball was one of the key factors.