Teddy's Happy To Be Home

TEDDY Sheringham is expecting a much tighter game with the visit of Middlesbrough to Upton Park than the one the Hammers faced last weekend at the City of Manchester Stadium.

And after the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, the former England striker believes Hammers need to hit back with a good result.

"It should be a tighter game against Middlesbrough," explained Teddy. "Being away from home they'll close us down more. It's certainly going to be tough, but every Premiership match is tough and we'll have to turn in a very good display to get something from them.

"The Manchester City game was disappointing. It wasn't the type of performance we were looking for and it was frustrating when you consider the way we have played so far this season.

"City played very well, but the main difference between the two sides was that they took their chances and we didn't.

"In the last two games I think it's fair to say we haven't played at our best, so we've got to bounce back against Middlesbrough and get back to the form that we had early in the season."

With 12 points from eight games Teddy believes Hammers have already displayed enough ability to ensure the Club stays in the Premier League this season.

But the 39-year-old knows that hard work will underpin West Ham United's first season back in the top-flight.

"We've played some really good football this season," he explained, "and I think we've shown in some of our performances that we've got what it takes to compete at this level.

"But you need to perform to a consistent level, otherwise the Premier League will find you out and we need to get back to the top of our game.

"It takes a lot of hard work to do well in the Premiership. It's not just enough to have the ability to perform, you have to put the effort in and then you'll get the reward.

"The lads here have all worked extremely hard this season and we need to make sure we keep that work rate up.

"We've played well at home this season, and even in the game we lost against Bolton, still put in a decent performance.

"It's all about getting the balance right between your home and away performances.

"But for any team new to the Premier League home form is vital and we need to focus now on keeping that home streak going against Middlesbrough."