Thilo Kehrer is confident West Ham United can build on their win against Aston Villa ahead of two crucial London derbies with Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea this week.
David Moyes’ outfit face Spurs at the London Stadium on Wednesday, before a trip to west London three days later.
The Germany defender was pleased with the efforts of his new side at Villa Park, as Pablo Fornals struck the winner in West Ham’s 1,000th Premier League match.
Now Kehrer believes the Hammers can use their first three points of the league season to attack the upcoming London derbies.
“Knowing the history and importance of the game [against Tottenham] it is very big a London derby,” Kehrer said. “I am really looking forward to it.”
“I think we are ready. We are going in with [the aim to win] and the fans in the stadium. I am really looking forward to the atmosphere.”
Alongside Kurt Zouma, Kehrer led the Hammers to a second consecutive clean sheet in all competitions.
But key to getting the Hammers over the line at Villa Park was the away support, who Kehrer credited for urging himself and his teammates on. He admits he is impressed by the travelling Claret and Blue Army – already.
“We heard the fans all game [against Villa]. We felt that [noise]. They pushed us – it gave us extra energy, and we really needed that today.
“The atmosphere is really special. I have heard a lot about the fans before, and now I have experienced it: I have to say I love it.
“It was a fight [against Villa]. We knew coming here it was not an easy game with this stadium and the atmosphere. We were ready to fight and ready to get in the challenges, play aggressive and be compact as a team. We are happy to get the result in the end."
The Germany international is one of eight summer signings, following Monday's arrival of Lucas Paquetá, and he praised the atmosphere in the dressing room and the training ground as a reason he has been able to settle so quickly in east London.
“There is a good group,” he stated. “I have been welcomed very well. It is a good atmosphere, a very positive atmosphere and there is a lot of quality in the team. I am happy about this.
“We are getting into the rhythm and the three points from today will help.”
Kehrer also showed his ability to play in different positions at Villa Park. He played as part of a back five in the first half and shifted into a back four in the second half, as the Hammers looked to force an opening goal.
His versatility is one of his biggest assets and switching to different positions across the defensive line is something Kehrer is more than happy with.
“We played a very good game defensively,” he said. “We are happy to get the clean sheet.
“I am comfortable playing different positions – the manager knows that and the team knows that. I just try to help the team, to give my quality so that we can be successful.”
