Merv hoping for big performance at Wigan

Looking ahead to Saturday's crucial trip to Wigan, assistant manager Mervyn Day admitted he is hoping for a completely different performance to the Hammers' last away match, which ended in a 3-0 defeat at Bramall Lane.

"I would very much hope we get a different response," he said. "We are in last chance territory. If we get a good result up there we could go level on points with Wigan with two games to play.

"Depending on what happens with the other games it could be a massive day for us. We have to make sure we prepare properly and we come out the team that came out against Everton rather than the team that came out against Sheffield United."

Reflecting on the 1-0 win against Everton, Merv said: "We played very well for the first hour or so and we were unfortunate to win only 1-0. David Moyes was full of praise for our performance afterwards and that was pleasing after the very tough game we had on Wednesday against Chelsea.

"It was a superb goal, it was well worked, a nice backheel and a good finish. We then had three or four good opportunities after that."

Merv admitted his nerves had taken a battering towards the end of the match when the fourth official signified there would be six minutes of injury time.

"The referee made the comment afterwards that we had some pitch invaders so I'd like to thanks those gentlemen for prolonging my nerves! It's always nerve-racking when you're only one goal to the good but we worked hard an saw it out."

To watch the full interview with Merv log on to WHUTV here .