DESPITE a match-winning display against Watford last weekend, Sergei Rebrov insists that a strong team performance is what's needed to overcome high-flying Sunderland at the Stadium of Light tomorrow.
The former Ukraine international bagged the winning goal in the 3-2 victory over Watford at Upton Park, his first League strike for the Hammers. But as Alan Pardew's team head for Sunderland, Sergei was keen to stress the importance of a strong team ethic.
"It is important, especially away from home, to be together as a team," he said. "You have to work hard for each other, stay very solid when you haven't got the ball and then hopefully we can create some chances of our own.
"Sunderland are a strong team, and very good at home, so we will have to put on a great performance to win three points on Saturday. But after last weekend's win I believe we have the confidence and quality to beat them."
Looking back to his performance against Watford, which Alan Pardew described as his best since arriving at the Club, Sergei was pleased to have shown his form in front of the home fans. However, the 30-year-old striker insisted that now his thoughts have moved to the coming encounter at the Stadium of Light.
"I was very pleased with my performance against Watford," he said, "and delighted to score my first League goal for the Club. It was made extra special because it was in front of the Upton Park fans and also because it sealed an important victory for the team.
"But it is just one game, and to secure a regular place in the team I need to be putting in those kind of performances more consistently. Hopefully, I will have another good game at Sunderland, and more importantly I hope the team can get a result."
Alan Pardew certainly knows Sergei's quality, having seen the Ukraine player light-up training sessions with his predatory skill.
"Sergei has been consistently brilliant in training," said Alan. "His technique is excellent, and we've just been waiting for him to put in a performance like the one last week.
"He had a slight mental barrier to overcome when he came here, but it looks like he is past that now and I was pleased to see him play well last week."
However, Pards also revealed that the diminutive forward had taken a knock in training this week, although the Hammers boss is still hopeful Sergei will be fit for tomorrow.
"Sergei did take a slight knock in training on Thursday, but we are hopeful that he'll shake it off in time to play at Sunderland."