To add some firepower to the Hammers attack inside-forward Stan Earle was bought from Arsenal. There was only one defeat in the first eight games and Earle scored the goals in 1–0 victories against Blackburn and Arsenal. However, only one win followed in a further nine games, culminating in a 5–0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers. In December Sunderland were beaten 4–1 at home, with Billy Moore scoring twice against his old club. Vic Watson also scored two goals in that game, which started him on an amazing run where he scored in ten successive league games, a club record that still stands.

London rivals Arsenal were the visitors at home in the FA Cup, and after a goalless first game the teams also drew 2–2 in the replay. The second replay took place at Stamford Bridge and a single goal from George Kay put the Hammers through. Round two saw West Ham win 2–0 away to Nottingham Forest to set up a home tie with Second Division Blackpool, but after a 1–1 draw at the Boleyn the Hammers crashed 3–0 in the replay.

A few days later West Ham found themselves losing 5–1 at half-time at Burnley. In a remarkable comeback, goals from Jennings, Moore and Watson gave the Hammers hope, but Burnley held out to win 5–4. In March London neighbours Arsenal were beaten 2–1 away followed by a 1–1 draw at Tottenham. There was a good ending to the season as in successive home games Sheffield United were beaten 6–2 followed by a 4–1 win against Everton. Only two games were lost at home but with only three away wins the team finished in 13th place, the same as the previous campaign.