HAYDEN Mullins believes Hammers are looking hard to beat at the
moment and is determined to put that theory to the test at the
Stadium of Light on Saturday when West Ham United take on
Sunderland.
Hammers are unbeaten in their last four games in all
competitions, but against a resurgent Sunderland side the
26-year-old midfielder knows this will be a tough assignment on
Wearside.
He said: "They'll be looking to try and beat us and will
be coming at us with everything they've got. But without being
over confident, the way we're playing at the moment, it's
going to be hard to beat us and we've got to make sure that is
the case.
"We know that this match is going to be one of the toughest,
other than playing Wigan, because it's the promoted sides going
up against each other, so there's always going to be a bit
extra to the game in that sense.
"We've obviously played each other last year in the
Championship, but those matches were far different from being in
the Premiership. We know what each other can do, but both teams
will have changed a bit since then as well and will play
differently at this level.
"But we're confident that we can carry on what we've been doing so far this season.
"If we can get another three points on the board, then it sets us up really well for the break."
Holding Arsenal to a 0-0 draw is no mean achievment, and Hayden
believes the squad have been further buoyed by their showing in the
first London derby of the season at Upton Park.
He added: "We had a few chances against Arsenal and were a bit
disappointed not to have come away with more.
"But you have to remember that they were Premiership Champions
not so long ago, and although they have had a few changes to their
side, it was still a strong team that we faced.
"I felt we coped with them well and it was a good game. It
gives all of us here a lot of confidence to know that we went out
there and matched a side like that."
Hammers have earned praise from all quarters in recent weeks, not least for their adventurous style of play in a League which is being criticised for offering little in the way of entertainment.
But Hayden is cautious about letting the plaudits affect the
team's focus, and insists Hammers must concentrate on the job
in hand, which this week is to take three points from the Stadium
of Light.
He said: "We are literally putting everything into what we are
trying to achieve on the pitch.
"It's a pleasure to play football, it's never been a
chore for me to go out on that field, but it's nice to get the
praise when you are doing well.
"Our attitude is to go out there and try to win every game and
this Saturday is no different. It's working for us at the
moment and we've got to try and keep it going."