Arthur Masuaku believes West Ham United need to take to the pitch with a positive mindset against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon.
The Hammers produced a much-improved performance in Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat by Liverpool at London Stadium, when the result could have been different had the home side taken the clear chances to score they created in the second half.
Masuaku knows the Irons need to be more clinical against the Seagulls as they seek to climb clear of the Premier League’s bottom three, but he says the belief remains strong inside the West Ham dressing room.
It’s hard for the fans but I just want to say ‘Let’s be positive. There are lots of games to play’
Arthur Masuaku
“We were not disappointed with the performance [against Liverpool], but we lost the game and that’s why we were disappointed,” he told West Ham TV. “As a team, I think we did well. We were on it, we tried to press and tactically we did well and if we want to be positive, let’s take the positives from the game and win Saturday against Brighton, because that’s going to be a massive game.
“Wednesday’s game did not affect our confidence because, as I said, we did well as a team. We need to build on this and if we play even better on Saturday, I think we can win the game.
“We can’t put pressure on ourselves. We just have to focus on us, on our strengths, defend well and perform in front of our fans, who will cheer for us, and I hope we can give them the three points.”
New signing Tomáš Souček is set to make his Hammers debut against Brighton, while Michail Antonio is tipped to return from a hamstring injury.
Masuaku believes both will be important to the hosts’ chances of returning to winning ways and leapfrogging Graham Potter’s side in the table.
“Obviously, our squad is a bit tight and we need players,” the No26 observed. “Mikey is going to be back and that’s good and hopefully the new player can help us as well and give us a different option.”
In closing, the DR Congo international said the Claret and Blue Army’s support will be vital at London Stadium this Saturday, and in the closing 14 games of the season.
“It’s hard for the fans but I just want to say ‘Let’s be positive. There are lots of games to play’ and at the end of the season we can be, I wouldn’t say happy but positive.”
