Following a crucial win against Southampton, West Ham’s attention now turns to Newcastle with David Moyes speaking to the media ahead of the clash.

In regards to team news, “The only real news that we’ve got is that Gianluca Scamacca’s got two weeks rehabilitation on his knee.” Apart from that, Moyes eluded that it’s a fully fit squad.

The Scotsman admitted that he’s been impressed with how well some of Newcastle’s previous signings have developed this season stating that “when I looked at the form Almiron is in and Joelinton, who have been at the club for such a long time and obviously since Eddie’s come in they’ve been playing ever so well, coupled with the other players they have bought in as well. Sometimes, I think it does take time for players to settle in.”

While not all the signings West Ham have made in the summer have reached the heights Moyes would have hoped, Lucas Paqueta as of late has impressed in particular. “Lucas has improved as we’ve gone along,” said Moyes. “It’s not just his ability, we’ve just been trying to get him used to it, what we’ve talked about, it takes a little bit of time for some people.

“We’re still looking for more creativity, things that lead to more goals or chances, so hopefully we can add that to his already good performances.”

The Brazilian hasn’t had the goals and assists that many fans were expecting, but he has dominated the midfield as of late, the Southampton game being a great example with him making more tackles in the first half than any West Ham player has made in 90 minutes all season.

West Ham have had two of the best seasons in recent memory, most fans were expecting them to build upon this with some very exciting signings. However, they’ve found themselves in a relegation battle surprisingly. “I don’t really think there is any guarantee that you do well one season, it means that you’re necessarily well the next season. There’s a couple of clubs, us probably in particular who we would look at in that situation” said Moyes in regards to the sudden dip from one season to the next. He added “you just never know how it works out.”

Moyes has been impressed with how well the players have dealt with must win games this season. “The players have done what I expect them to do because I actually think we’ve got big characters, we’ve got good players and they’ve done exactly what we’ve wanted.”

When asked about the biggest reason for West Ham’s decline this season, he states it’s down to ‘injuries’ as well as “losing Mark Noble, which was a big loss in many ways.” It’s no secret that Noble was the big voice in the dressing room and losing him was going to take some adapting to.

Moyes was full of praise for the blossoming relationship of Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd. “I think it’s really important for us going forward that we keep them fit and we keep them playing together going forward as much as we can. It’s like anything else, we have to make sure they get to know each other, we’ve not had time for much work together.”

Like everyone, the manager is concerned about the away form of the Hammers. “It is a huge concern. It means your home games are becoming vital. I believe we will win away games between now and the end of the season, I really do, but I’ve not been proud of our record, certainly leading up to this period.”

It’s important that West Ham do try and build some sort of momentum from the last few home games and they must be prepared for a tough game at home to the Magpies, who are absolutely flying. It’s a big game for both teams but that couldn’t be for more different reasons.