James Collins insists that he and his team-mates will be
doing everything they can to build on Sunday's victory against
Manchester United by continuing the winning run over the busy
Christmas period.
After the 1-0 win over Sir Alex Ferguson's men, in which the Welsh international defender played a key role to keep the likes of Rooney, Ronaldo, Saha and Solskjaer at bay, Hammers now face four games in nine days, starting with Saturday's trip to Fulham, and James is ready for the challenge.
"It was always going to be a tough game against Manchester United, but we were ready for it on Sunday," he says. "I thought all of the boys played very well and we performed in all areas of the pitch.
"It's always nice to keep a clean sheet against anyone, but to get one against Manchester United, in front of our own fans, was very special and pleasing for everyone after a difficult couple of weeks.
"There's no way of hiding the fact that confidence wasn't very high in recent weeks, but Sunday will hopefully be the kick-start that we needed and I'm sure it has given everyone a lift.
"Our focus was spot on against United, and it needs to be the same against Fulham on Saturday. In many ways, that is a more important game, because they are close to us in the table and we have to make sure they don't get further away from us.
"We realise that we've now got a very big week in front of us, with four games in the space of eight days, and it's an opportunity to turn our season round. If we can pick up points from those matches, we could be well clear of the relegation zone by early January, and that has got to be the aim for everyone."
After the 1-0 win over Sir Alex Ferguson's men, in which the Welsh international defender played a key role to keep the likes of Rooney, Ronaldo, Saha and Solskjaer at bay, Hammers now face four games in nine days, starting with Saturday's trip to Fulham, and James is ready for the challenge.
"It was always going to be a tough game against Manchester United, but we were ready for it on Sunday," he says. "I thought all of the boys played very well and we performed in all areas of the pitch.
"It's always nice to keep a clean sheet against anyone, but to get one against Manchester United, in front of our own fans, was very special and pleasing for everyone after a difficult couple of weeks.
"There's no way of hiding the fact that confidence wasn't very high in recent weeks, but Sunday will hopefully be the kick-start that we needed and I'm sure it has given everyone a lift.
"Our focus was spot on against United, and it needs to be the same against Fulham on Saturday. In many ways, that is a more important game, because they are close to us in the table and we have to make sure they don't get further away from us.
"We realise that we've now got a very big week in front of us, with four games in the space of eight days, and it's an opportunity to turn our season round. If we can pick up points from those matches, we could be well clear of the relegation zone by early January, and that has got to be the aim for everyone."