David Moyes has confirmed that strikers Michail Antonio and Gianluca Scamacca are doubts for West Ham’s trip to Arsenal on Boxing Day.
The Irons headed into the World Cup break on the back of two straight league defeats as well as having exited the Carabao Cup to Blackburn.
Despite presiding over what has been West Ham’s worst start to a top-flight season since 1976, Moyes remains confident the squad have what it takes to turn things around as they prepare to travel to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Boxing Day.
“There is a lot of things we did (over the break). We have looked to see where we can improve and what we should be doing better. Obviously there is lots of room for improvement,” Moyes said.
“So we have tried to work towards it. The players have shown a brilliant attitude since coming back, but it is not like we have always not played well.
“We need to be a little more clinical, certainly when we are trying to score and be that bit more ruthless defensively when we need to be as well.”
Moyes told a press conference: “It has been beneficial as I think the players needed a break – we had played more games than anyone else.
“We didn’t go away, so we were training at Rush Green through the snow. We have had some friendly games and they have gone quite well for us.
“We want to find the momentum we had in the last couple of seasons and get back to the levels we were at before.”
Despite finding his position under the spotlight, Moyes – who took West Ham to successive sixth and seventh-placed finishes as well as the semi-finals of the Europa League – remains determined to stay focused on matters he can control.
“I have had great conversations with David Sullivan and as you get older, you don’t feel the pressure so much,” the Scot said.
“We have had two or three years of great times and sometimes you have dips and at times like that you need the board and everyone to stick together.”
Forwards Gianluca Scamacca (ankle) and Michail Antonio (calf) face late fitness tests ahead of the trip to the Emirates Stadium, but defender Kurt Zouma is set for a spell on the sidelines after having surgery on a knee problem.
“I’m not sure if they’re going to be available yet,” said Moyes.
“Gianluca’s got an ankle injury, Micks [Antonio] has got a bit of a calf strain, so we’re hoping that they’ve both got a chance. I think they’re both doubtful.
“I think all of the clubs in the Premier League, you will…
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