Downes Gets the Credit

The fact that West Ham have won both games since the arrival of Wally Downes has led many to praise his immediate impact on the team. The Mirror have been talking to Downes about what he has changed at West Ham,

"Initially, Avram asked me to have a look at a few of the goals that have gone in recently and where it could have been different.

"Basically, it is easier to tighten up a defence than it is to instil attacking philosophies into the players. You can make a short, sharp difference with some structural stuff with defenders - give them a bit of attitude and aggression.

"I went up to Liverpool and although it was a bad performance, it in no way reflected the way the team has been playing.

"The amount of games where the team has been in front and could have won, there is obviously a disappointment that builds up and that culminated in the Liverpool performance, but that has come and gone now.

"It was a great time to wipe the slate clean - it's about aggression and a will to win, it's about the players and making sure they are on the front foot."