Matthew Upson praises West Ham United resolve amidst tense relegation battle after 2-2 draw v Arsenal
West Ham United have shown tremendous resolve to pull clear of the relegation drop zone and their two wins over Southampton and Fulham were “colossal”, according to former player Matthew Upson.
The Hammers terrifically battled back from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with league leaders Arsenal on Sunday [16 April] thanks to goals from Said Benrahma and a superb Jarrod Bowen equaliser nine minutes after half-time.
David Moyes’ men now sit four points clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand and Upson, speaking to BBC Sport Radio Five Live [via, BBC Sport, 16 April] praised West Ham’s strength and character to pull clear of the drop zone.
He said: “The two wins West Ham had against Southampton and Fulham were just colossal, at a moment where they just had to win, otherwise they would have been really, really struggling.
“They’ve ground it out and what David Moyes brings is he’s got that strength, that character, that discipline, and West Ham played like that today.
“Yes, there were mistakes and they haven’t been good enough with the ball but they’ve got a bit of steel about them and I think that runs through the club and the squad from the manager down.”
Much to do
Indeed, the Hammers will certainly be encouraged by recent results after what’s been a rather disappointing campaign in the Premier League.
To think the club after fighting against the drop right now is still inconceivable and just goes to show the drop in performance levels and quality from West Ham United, especially after all the money spent last summer.
Those wins in recent weeks against Southampton and Fulham were colossal indeed, which has now been further brought home with a tremendous fightback and performance against Arsenal after going two goals down in the first ten minutes.
However, there is still much to do for Moyes and his side to end this season on a high and in order to achieve that, every player must be pulling in the same direction as they also chase a consecutive Europa Conference League semi-final place on Thursday [20 April].