Noble remains confident

 

Mark Noble has no doubts the players will show their fighting spirit once again to help get their season back on track and knows the importance of getting another big result against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Hammers skipper was honest as always in his assessment of the team's Emirates FA Cup defeat against Manchester City and says Pep Guardiola's side were just too strong for the Hammers on the night.

After suffering recent defeats against Leicester and Manchester United in the Premier League, Noble knows the importance of seeing his side get back on the winning trail.

The West Ham players came together when it was needed to secure crucial home wins over Burnley and Hull last month and Noble feels they will be ready once again when they play a big London derby against Palace at London Stadium next Saturday.

Noble said: “We knew it was going to be a tough game against City. They were just too good on the night – it is as simple as that. When you have got the type of players they have, they can rest a few against Burnley on Monday and still get a result.

“We played against Manchester United with ten men and had to come out and play again and I think it was a bit much for us.

“Every season is different. Chelsea came tenth last season and have just won 13 games in a row.

“We had a tough game here on Monday and the boys dug in to try and get a result against a very good Manchester United side.

“We tried to do the same again on Friday night but when we went 1-0 down it was an uphill battle for us.

“I did say a couple of weeks ago there is no point playing well and losing games. In this day and age with the pressure involved all that matters is the three points.”

Noble is looking forward to meeting up with former manager Sam Allardyce once again when he returns with Palace next Saturday, but will be hoping to celebrate another home victory and help the team push towards the top half of the table.

Noble added: “We have played against Sam before. Football moves on so fast and Sam will enjoy coming back.

“He had a great time here as manager and what he did for this football club getting us promoted and helping stay in the Premier League. He should be well respected.

“We have now got two big games coming up that we want to get points out of. Everyone needs to dig in and win games.”