Trevor Impressed

Trevor Brooking was impressed with West Ham's win at Stoke - and is waiting to see how the players cope with playing at Upton Park on Saturday.

Trevor, now of course working for the FA, was an interested observer on Saturday and he says:

"I thought West Ham played very well, and it made a difference with Michael and Matt coming back into the midfield; they have probably been two of the best players in the season and we had a good shape there.

"It was also very encouraging to see Steve Lomas with his experience and that little bit of drive and desire.

"I thought the team looked pretty solid at the back and Connors got a goal in open play with his left peg - an instinctive finish.

"There were some good signs, but you have only got to look at the league table and see it is a very tense situation which could go any way in the last couple of games.

"More than anything it is in West Ham's hands, which is the key at this stage."

Trevor reckons West Ham played without fear on Saturday and explains:

"Quite often away from home that happens - the expectancy level away is not quite as intense.

"The pitch at the Britannia stadium was beautiful - as good as anything I have seen all season.

"If you are a passing side like West Ham I am sure that is the surface you would like to play on in the last two games.

"You could see how the players kept the ball well, spread it, and kept possession a lot better than in some recent away games - so that was encouraging.

"At home against Watford it will be tougher because the expectation will be there again, but more than anything I am sure Alan will encourage the crowd to really get behind them for the whole 90 minutes.

"It is a massive game, what with Sheffield United playing Ipswich on the Friday night and Wigan away to Nottingham Forest, which is a tough match.

"West Ham have to get three points on Saturday to take a little bit of pressure off the Wigan trip, where, who knows, if you get the right results before you might only need a draw.

"More than anything it is a case of trying to get the victory against Watford; everyone desperately wants to win that match - but it is more intense at home."