Now back in the Premier League, the squad was strengthened with the purchase of five new players. Experienced goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen was joined by French defender Alou Diarra. In midfield came the Senegal international Mohamed Diame and to complete the signings there was Malian forward Modibo Maiga and winger Matt Jarvis.

Aston Villa were beaten 1–0 at home on the opening day followed by a 3–0 reverse at Swansea City. The League Cup began with a 2–0 home win over Crewe Alexandra but a poor showing in the next round saw Wigan win 4–1 at Upton Park. Another two signings were made when striker Andy Carroll came from Liverpool on loan and midfielder Yossi Benayoun arrived from Chelsea for a second spell at the club. During October and November there were mixed results, leaving the side in mid-table. The opening game in December saw the Hammers put on a great second-half display as Chelsea were beaten 3–1 at home, but no other win was recorded that month.

After a 1–1 home draw with Manchester United in the FA Cup the Hammers narrowly lost 1–0 in the replay. During the transfer window West Ham snapped up former favourite Joe Cole, which pleased the fans. In the league the Hammers were struggling after away defeats at Arsenal and Chelsea as they dropped to thirteenth. They put on a spirited display at home to Tottenham but the Spurs won 3–2 after scoring in the last minute. March proved a better month, with a 1–0 victory at Stoke City and an excellent 3–1 home win over West Brom. Against the Albion Andy Carroll scored twice, showing his outstanding all-round ability. Three draws and a 2–0 home win against Wigan in April saw the Hammers move up to tenth.

On the final day of the season club captain Kevin Noble scored a hat-trick in the 4–2 home win against Reading. In their first season back in the Premier League, all at Upton Park were pleased with the tenth place finish.