New Headline: West Ham's Steady Defense Keeps Champions at Bay in Premier League Action

[Getty Images] For the first time in many months, there is something approaching optimism around London Stadium. West Ham are into the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time in a decade where they will host Leeds, out of the bottom three and buoyed by the possibility of rivals Tottenham dropping into the relegation places on Sunday should results go in their favour. It is far from perfect - a 16th-minute protest, featuring red cards, by fans against the ownership of David Sullivan and Karren Brady, proved that.

But on the field they impressively roused themselves after falling behind, forcing a corner and converting from it with their only shot of the match. West Ham's slow start, and lack of more attempts on goal, perhaps owed much to the absence of Crysencio Summerville, who has been sidelined with a calf injury. The Dutch forward has seven goals in his past 13 games and Nuno Espirito Santo's side struggle in attack without him, having won none of their six league games this year when he hasn't played.

But they were resolute in defence, with an impressive showing too from left wing-back El Hadji Malick Diouf as he curbed the threat of Antoine Semenyo on the right flank. They dealt well with City's tactical switch-ups too, Nuno quickly introducing Soungoutou Magassa in place of forward Pablo to match the visitors' change to a three-man midfield. At the end it was all hands to the pump, but the Hammers held out and have earned 15 points from their last nine games - survival form.

Their run-in is tough - they still have to visit Aston Villa, face Arsenal at home and fellow strugglers Leeds on the final day - but, for now, there is the unfamiliar feeling of happiness and hope around London Stadium.