West Ham United are in the relegation zone at the halfway stage in the 2013-14 Premier League season.

The Hammers made a strong start to the season, but finish 2013 with just three wins from their first 19 matches.

After finishing 10th in the table on their return to the top flight last season, the club made several summer signings, including a permanent deal for striker Andy Carroll.

Sports Mole looks back at the first 19 games of the campaign for Sam Allardyce's men.

August

The team began the season without new signing Andy Carroll, who picked up a foot injury before the start of the campaign, and is still yet to feature.

West Ham started their season at home, beating Premier League newcomers Cardiff City 2-0 thanks to goals from Joe Cole and Kevin Nolan.

The Hammers remained unbeaten following a visit to St James' Park, where they played to a goalless draw with Newcastle United, but they lost 1-0 the following week when Jermaine Pennant struck late on for Stoke City.

September

September began with a goalless draw at Southampton for the team.

The result gave them their only point of the month, with defeats to Everton and Hull City to follow.

The Hammers had looked in a strong position against the Toffees, but the visitors were able to snatch a couple of late goals after Mark Noble was sent off, allowing Everton to take a 3-2 win.

Meanwhile, a first-half penalty for Robbie Brady allowed the Tigers to leave West Ham without a win in their five outings.

October

October started with West Ham's first win since the opening day of the season against fellow London side Tottenham Hotspur.

Winston Reid, Ricardo Vaz Te and Ravel Morrison all found the target in the second half, moving Allardyce's side out of the relegation zone.

However, it was back to defeat the following week, as Sergio Aguero and David Silva proved too much for West Ham when Manchester City visited Upton Park.

The month finished with a goalless draw at the Liberty Stadium, leaving them just a point clear of the relegation zone.

November

November started with yet another goalless draw, their fourth of the season, which was followed by a 3-1 defeat to Norwich City.

West Ham's struggles continued when Chelsea visited Upton Park, with Frank Lampard scoring a brace in the 3-0 win for the visitors.

However, November ended on a positive when fellow strugglers Fulham face the Hammers, and conceded three goals in the second half to give West Ham just their third win of the campaign.

December

The side went the entirety of December without adding to their win count, losing four and drawing two in the final month of 2013.

Marouane Chamankh gave Crystal Palace a 1-0 win, before Liverpool thrashed the Hammers 4-1 at Anfield four days later.

The team had to defend well to hold on for a point against Sunderland before facing a tough festive schedule.

Manchester United cruised to a 3-1 win in the final game before Christmas, while Arsenal fought from a goal down to win by the same scoreline on Boxing Day.

Their final fixture of 2013 saw West Bromwich Albion visit Upton Park, with both in need of the win.

In a game which saw both teams lead, the points were split after it finished 3-3, leaving West Ham 19th in the table heading into the New Year.