Robert Green has revealed how a frank team meeting last week helped the team produce the solid showing in the 0-0 draw with Portsmouth on Saturday.
Green and his team-mates were stunned after conceding three late goals against Everton the previous weekend - a result which had the denied them the points their performance had deserved. "After the Everton game we sat down and talked about what we could work on and how we can approach things," Green said.
"Hopefully that was fairly evident against Portsmouth. We had not been playing badly, just bad fortune or mistakes have cost us and it is sometimes difficult to take but everybody did their utmost on Saturday. It was pleasing for everyone involved and a step in the right direction, particularly after the defeat against Everton, which was very hard to take."
The squad were back on the Chadwell Heath training pitches on Tuesday morning to begin preparation for the long trip north to face Sunderland on Sunday and Green thinks the weekend's result has left them in a positive mood. "We stay confident and if you look at the game and say well Portsmouth have come, they have got an experienced side and they are happy to take a point, that's a compliment in itself. We have got something we can work on now leading to a tough game against Sunderland."
The West Ham United No1's trio of outstanding second half saves - all from Jermain Defoe - helped the side earn their first clean sheet since the 1-0 win over Fulham in February. "It was pleasing. We dominated possession at times and they were looking to hit us on the break more than anything. So if you are not going to score - and we kept on banging on the door - the best you can do is a nil-nil draw and it is something to work on for everyone."