James Tomkins has hailed the impact of new coach Wally Downes in tightening up West Ham United's defence.
The former Wimbledon player's arrival has coincided with Tomkins' return to Avram Grant's starting XI after a five-match absence.
Those two factors have contributed to a fantastic week for the Hammers, who followed a vital 3-1 Barclays Premier League victory over Wigan Athletic with a 4-0 rout of holders Manchester United in the Carling Cup quarter-finals.
Tomkins said the work he and his fellow defenders had done with Downes in his short time at the club was already paying dividends.
"Wally is very experienced," said the No5. "He works with the back four, he takes us together and he works on us as a unit. He brings passion in, you can see him on the sidelines ranting and raving but he wants us to do well.
"He came in, he made a little point and it has worked well for us. Hopefully we can carry it on."
When asked to pinpoint Downes' impact, Tomkins was fulsome in his praise for the new coach.
"I think it's everything really - all about how we were going to play for each other, how we were going to cover each other, heading, staying solid and realising that if it has to go into the stand, it has to go into the stand.
"I think that's important really. Instead of taking any risks I think we just need to deal with it and put it in the stand if we have to and that's what we've done."
Tomkins also spoke positively about Downes' vocal presence on the touchline during matches, shouting orders to his players and urging them to remain 100 per cent focused on the game.
"I think he livens you up. When you see someone with passion like that it's good for us. I think that's what he brings and what we need."
As well as the influence of new coach Downes, Tomkins has also relished being part of a winning side in the recent victories over Wigan and Manchester United.
"It has been nice to see the lads buzzing in the game afterwards. There's no better feeling than winning and we just hope we can carry it on."