West Ham United midfielder Flynn Downes believes that the Hammers’ recently improved intensity has led to a recent upturn in David Moyes’ side’s form.
The Irons are unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions, backing up wins over Everton and Derby County at the end of January with draws against Newcastle United and Chelsea in the Hammers’ last two league games.
Five points from their last three league games has started to slowly edge West Ham away from the relegation zone, moving 16th and two points clear of the drop, although they will drop to 17th and only a point off if Everton win away at Liverpool on Monday night.
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Downes, who has struggled for Premier League game time since his £12million move to the London Stadium from Swansea City, got 23 minutes off the bench against Chelsea on Saturday, his longest amount of league minutes since before the break for the 2022 World Cup.
He has spoken about the recent improved form and says the 2-0 win over Everton 23 days ago has given everyone a lift, with the Hammers enjoying their football again that has added intensity in the squad.
“I think we’ve got more smiles and it brings more intensity,” said Downes. “People are having a good time and want to be here. You sort of chase the buzz of three points again so it builds momentum.
“I think the win at Everton got our backs up, everybody got a bit of confidence from that. It sort of picks up in training. The gaffer has sensed that as well. Going out on a Saturday, you can sense that we are more together. Hopefully we can just keep that going now.
“That’s how it feels now. We have to keep that going now. Keep building momentum and get a few wins and we will be good.”
When West Ham’s form hit its worst point around a month ago, Hammers boss Moyes was under serious pressure of being sacked, with Hammers in the relegation zone having spent almost £200million this season on nine new signings.
Downes added that the Hammers players have been playing for Moyes, given the pressure on him, and that the togetherness shown has given Downes encouragement that West Ham will pull clear of the relegation battle they currently find themselves in.
“Yes, exactly, it is exactly that. I thought it was a tough game (against Chelsea),” added Downes. “You have a few tough results and everyone is calling for your head but we’ve got to stick together and with performances like that and Newcastle, we’ve got to string a few of those together.
“We hope to pull away. I do think we will. The boys have really picked up over the last few weeks. Keep that going, not worry about what other teams are doing and trust in ourselves to get those wins.”
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