Matthew Upson said victory against Aston Villa this Wednesday would provide a 'massive' boost to everyone connected with West Ham United.
Speaking to WHUTV, the Hammers captain told of his belief that Gianfranco Zola's side are fully capable of putting together a string of wins that would see them shoot up the Barclays Premier League table.
To do so, however, the England defender admitted they would have to learn how to 'kill off' their opponents after seeing a two-goal lead disappear in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Sunderland.
"It does feel different to the Arsenal game. In the end, after the chances they had, I guess it was a good result for us," he said. "It was disappointing the way we didn't really kill off the game and take all three points. It does feel like two points dropped."
When asked why the Hammers had been unable to hold the Black Cats at bay at the Stadium of Light, Upson said he and his team-mates would be looking deep within themselves to find answers.
"It's a difficult thing to talk about, really. It's something we need to sort out between ourselves and have a good look at the reasons as to why that's happening and we need to deal with it. It's something we need to focus on.
"We should win the game, it's as simple as that. I'm really stuck for words trying to explain the game, but we have to move on and take positives out of it. We've come to a tough place with good home support and really have looked like a good side."
As skipper, senior professional and England international, the 30-year-old is experienced enough to know that one victory can turn things around, and he is determined to secure that victory when Villa visit the Boleyn Ground in midweek.
West Ham will welcome back Scott Parker following a one-match ban and, despite the difference in league position between the two sides, Upson insisted there is little, if anything, to choose between them in terms of overall quality.
"We don't look like we should be at the bottom, but we are and that's the reality of the situation. We need to analyse the reasons why we're there and do something about. I'm sure we'll pick up and start to climb the table, but until those things come into action, we're going to keep dropping points like we did on Saturday.
"It would be massive to beat Villa. We need a win. We need those three points to drag us back in. We can go on a run and we can win matches. We're a good enough team to win matches. There is no doubt about it. That next win with will be a big boost for us."