James Collins has remarked on the strong team effort that bought about a well deserved point for West Ham United against Arsenal.
The Welsh international had a starring role in a match that saw West Ham frustrate the home side on Saturday to earn a goalless draw and make it eight games unbeaten in all competitions. Collins said the result was one he and his team-mates deserved.
"When you come to the Emirates you know you are not going to have an easy game but we are on a fantastic run. The lads knew that if we came here and defended well and kept playing like we have been doing, we would be able to get a result and that is what we did."
The team received praise from Arsene Wenger for their resolute approach and Collins welcomed the compliment. "People are saying we are tough to break down and that is good," he said. "Since Mister has come in everyone can see the difference.
"Earlier on we were not getting the wins to go with the performances even though we were playing nice football. Now we have turned the corner in terms of results and hopefully that will continue."
Collins was busy alongside Lucas Neill, Matthew Upson and Herita Ilunga in the heart of the defence but also had a chance at the other end, and he is eager to get on the score-sheet. "There was the shot from [Kolo] Toure that I headed off the line. I was just in the right place at the right time to cover it.
"At the other end I had a header. I haven't scored for a long while. I had a chance against Hull in midweek and now another one against Arsenal. I would like to chip in with more goals if I can but, at the end of the day, my job is to stop them going in at the other end and that's what I had to do first."