Stuart Pearce sets surprising West Ham survival target, says key trait will decide their fate

Follow us on Google Discover

West Ham United assistant manager Stuart Pearce has set his players a surprising target for Premier League survival.

West Ham had turned a corner under David Moyes and reached the 30 point mark with a 2-0 win over Watford last month.

But a heavy 4-1 defeat to Liverpool last time out makes things hairy again for the Hammers in the increasingly congested Premier League dogfight.

The East Londoners are now just three points off Saturday’s opponents in the relegation zone.

There are big incentives for both teams ahead of the crucial clash. Carlos Carvalhal’s resurgent side can move level on points with the Hammers going into the run-in while West Ham can put a six-point gap between the two sides ahead of back-to-back home games against Burnley and Southampton.

Many pundits and managers have stated they feel 35/36 points will be enough to stay up this season.

But Hammers assistant boss Pearce told Sky Sports’ The Debate he feels the total required will be more and says his players will need to show a key trait to achieve it.

“I think we’ve got enough (players who can take responsibility) in our squad,” Pearce told The Debate.

“We would like about 60 (points)! The last nine or 10 years I think 36 points keeps you in the division or there and thereabouts.

“I think it’s going to be more than that this year I really do, I think you’re talking late 30s at least, 38/39 maybe more.”

West Ham still hold the unwelcome Premier League record for the team relegated with the most points, 42.

Supporters will be hoping lightning doesn’t strike twice.