Mathew Upson to stay at West Ham as the Hammers fight relegation
It has been confirmed by West Ham United manager, Avram Grant that Arsenal have not approached them for Mathew Upson.
Arsenal have the most depleted defensive squad as their two first team defenders, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Thomas-Vermaelen-c35002 and Sebastien Squillaci, both are injured and will be out of action for two more months.
It was reported that the Hammers’ captain, Mathew Upson, was Arsene Wenger’s target for this transfer window but such reports were rubbished by Avram Grant. The Israeli manager told the media that no club had approached him and claimed that Mathew Upson
was extremely committed to West Ham United.
West Ham United, who face Arsenal tonight at Upton Park, are currently battling the relegation zone and cling on to 20th position in the league table. The Hammers have earned only 22 points out of 20 league games but Avram Grant is hopeful that
his team would be able to get themselves out of the bottom zone.
The former Portsmouth and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 manager said, "I think we need to look in the mirror and see what we are now. I don't say anything against the people in the past but our target is very clear, not to be relegated. I believe very much in this club. But we
were not Barcelona in the last year and the years before."
Moreover, Grant also went on to say that 35 league points, which prevented them from getting relegated, would not be enough this season. He added that the next few months would be crucial for his team and his aim is just to survive in the Barclays Premier
League.
"We will have many changes in the table. Nothing will be decided this month. It is not just football, it's about spirit. There will be seven teams or more [involved in the relegation battle]. Last season it was 35 points [to survive], this season I don't
think 35 will be enough. I don't know how much more but it's very important to be strong against the teams around you." added the Hammers boss.
West Ham United’s recent form is somewhat impressive though, as they suffered only one defeat in their last seven Premier League matches. The Hammers’ boss hailed his team's performance in the recent weeks and admitted that the team was improving slowly
but surely. He added that his team had every quality to produce an upset against the visiting Arsenal.
Arsenal have already beaten West Ham United by one goal back in the first half of the season at Emirates Stadium, although the Gunners were extremely fortunate to score in the dying moments of the game. Does luck side with the Hammers this time? We'll have
to wait and see.
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