Having allowed a bit of time for the dust to settle after West Ham United’s FA Cup exit to Leeds United, I do think there are some genuine positives to take into the next huge Premier League game against Wolverhampton Wanderers. It might sound strange after losing on penalties, but the reality is West Ham could still come away from this defeat with something valuable.

First and foremost, a huge shout out has to go to Finlay Herrick. The England Under-20 goalkeeper was unexpectedly thrown into a massively important game after Alphonse Areola was forced off injured, and for him to make his West Ham debut in an FA Cup penalty shootout was some introduction. To then save the first penalty showed serious character, and whatever happens next, that is a moment he can be proud of.

Just as importantly, West Ham did not fold. Leeds deserved their 2-0 lead and were the better side for the entirety of the first half, but had the game finished that way, with West Ham going out meekly and offering very little, it would have left a horrible feeling hanging over the squad ahead of a vital relegation run-in. Instead, West Ham...