Etherington expects 'ruthless' approach

Matthew Etherington is expecting West Ham United to show more of a cutting edge on Sunday as the club look to push on up the Premier League table.

Speaking to WHUTV, the winger said the club should have beaten Manchester City in the FA Cup third-round replay on Wednesday - and he and his team-mates are eager to put things right on Sunday. Although on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline, Etherington added that plenty of positives could still be taken.

He said; "We more than contained them on Wednesday and were the better side. They didn't really create many chances and if you look at the saves the two keepers have had to make, their keeper has had a lot more to do. We can take a little bit of confidence from that and just have to make sure we are a little bit more ruthless in front of goal.

"Hopefully we will be able to turn it around on Sunday and get three points," he added, claiming that all that was required to unlock a strong City rearguard was some composure in the final third. "We got into some good positions but sometimes we chose the wrong option and that cost us in the end.

"We have still got an outside chance for a UEFA Cup place," he continued. "We are in a good position so that will be the main objective to push on in the league and make sure we come here Sunday and get a good result." Spurring Etherington on to succeed on a personal level is his new contract until 2012, which has left him "over the moon". He added: "I can concentrate on my football now and my future at West Ham."

  • Log on or register with WHUTV now to hear more from Matty, along with the thoughts of Alan Curbishley and George McCartney. Watch out for a special extended feature on Matthew Upson while you can get full live commentary of Sunday's match.