Zabaleta: We have to be positive

Pablo Zabaleta challenges Leroy Sane

Pablo Zabaleta says the Hammers have to remain positive as they head into the final three games of the season searching for the points they require to make sure of their Premier League status.

Having suffered defeats in tough assignments against Arsenal and Manchester City, West Ham face Leicester City, Manchester United and Everton in the final week of the season with their destiny in their own hands.

Zabaleta believes one win, or four points, will mean they will not have to worry about what the teams below them achieve – a situation he wants to be in as quickly as possible.

“It’s still in our hands,” the No5 said. “We have to go for the three points in our next game, that’s it.

“Leicester lost against their last game against Palace, then we have Manchester United and Everton at home, so it’s in our hands.

“Yes, Sunday’s result wasn’t good, but we have to forget that game, be positive and move into the next game thinking we can get the three points.

“One more win, or four points, could be enough to be safe 100 percent. We cannot wait on Swansea, Southampton or Stoke to keep dropping points. We have to think about West Ham and getting three points.”

It’s still in our hands. We have to go for the three points in our next game, that’s it

Pablo Zabaleta

The experienced defender is well aware that his team need to improve if they are to achieve that target, but says the return of Manuel Lanzini, who got an hour of football under his belt against the Citizens, could help towards that.

He added: “We knew Sunday was going to be a tough game – we were playing against the champions, the best team in the league. No excuses, they were miles better than us and now we have to move on to the next game. 

“Manuel is one of the most creative players in our team. He’s not had a good time in terms of injuries, but to have Manu back in the team is good news, so hopefully he can help us get some points in the next games.