He would go on to keep Goddard out of the team and spark his transfer from the club the following season.[9] [10][11] He formed a formidable partnership with young English striker Tony Cottee with McAvennie scoring 26 league goals and Cottee 20.[12][7] One additional goal in both the League Cup and the FA Cup saw his tally rise to 28 goals in 51 appearances in all competitions.[11] In his first season, he helped West Ham to their highest ever final position in English football when they came third.[12] His 26 goals in the league was only bettered by Gary Lineker, who found the net 30 times for second-placed Everton.[14][9]