Arthur Masuaku has said that West Ham need to score first if they want to return to winning ways against Everton on Wednesday night.
The Hammers have had a disappointing start to life under new boss David Moyes, losing their first match 2-0 to Watford before a come-from-behind 1-1 draw against Leicester last time out.
They travel to Goodison Park to face an Everton team who are also struggling this season, with the Toffees yet to appoint a replacement for the sacked Ronald Koeman.
Left-back Masuaku played 90 minutes against Leicester, and thinks the Hammers are close to securing that all-important first win under Moyes.
He told the club’s official website: “We have had a poor start, but we have to keep working because that is the only way we’re going to change. I think we have been lacking in confidence, but I think once we get a win that will return. This is an important game. We are fighting with them to get out of this position, so if we win this game it would be a big boost for us.”
Masuaku also revealed what he believes to be the key to victory on Wednesday.
“We were a bit disappointed with the result on Friday. We started by going a goal down, but we fought to get the equaliser. We need to improve in defence and try to get the first goal in order to win the game.
“We just need to play our game. We need to be more compact, stronger defensively and if we score first that would give us a great platform to win the game,” he said.
OPINION
This is such an important game, for two reasons. Firstly, the two clubs are separated by just two places and two points. Both are struggling under new management – either permanent or temporary – and desperately need a win to relieve the mounting pressure. Moyes needs a win to justify his appointment, and David Unsworth needs a win to regain some credit after several heavy defeats. Added to all that is Moyes’ return to Goodison. While he will be hoping that his old club regain their form, he needs a win at West Ham or the pressure will grow further. Whether he can secure that in such familiar surroundings will be fascinating to see.