Ryan Fredericks says West Ham United are regaining their solidity at the back after earning points against Liverpool and Crystal Palace in the last week.
The Hammers drew both games 1-1, following Monday’s stalemate against the Reds by claiming a share of the spoils at Selhurst Park.
Fredericks was forced to do a lot of defensive work in the second half against the Eagles, as the south Londoners came on strongly after falling behind to Mark Noble’s 27th minute penalty.
They forced a late leveller through Wilfried Zaha, but the West Ham No24 thought his team did well under the pressure they faced.
He explained: “I think in the first half we made quite a few chances to score and could have gone 2-0 or 3-0 up, but if you don’t take your chances against anyone in this league, and they’ve got some quality players [you’ll be punished].
Watch highlights from Saturday's 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace here
“In the second half it was backs against the wall and we rode our luck at times but I thought we defended well. We dug in deep and showed a lot of character to get through the 90 minutes only conceding one, and the goal they scored was a lucky one.
“We’re looking more solid at the back and we’ve got quality players who are always going to score goals. The gaffer has been pressing home in the last few weeks that we need to have a solid base starting at the back, and if we keep clean sheets or concede only one then the majority of the time we’re going to draw or win games.
“It doesn’t get much harder than what I’ve faced this last week. As left wingers come, Mane and then Zaha are two of the best there are is the Premier League.
“I feel like I stood up to the test and got the better of the battle.”