West Ham United’s rise up the Premier League this season has taken many people by surprise.
The Hammers are currently fifth in the table following their 3-0 victory over Sheffield United on Monday, sparking talk that they could secure a European qualification place.
However, according to former Arsenal forward Perry Groves, playing behind closed doors has been hugely beneficial to West Ham’s cause this season.
“We all agree, football is nowhere near the same without fans in the stadium,” Groves told talkSPORT.
“If one thing has been proven by all this, it’s that the game is all about the fans.