WEST HAM head into this week’s home clash against Fulham knowing a quick reversal in fortunes and form is badly needed to halt their alarming slide down the table.

The Hammers have made their worst start to a Premier League season since they were relegated in 2003, having taken just four points from their opening six games.

Everything seemed rosy on the opening day of the season, as the team came away from newly-promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers with all three points.

But it has been all downhill since then, and they now have the unenviable record of losing their last four matches, including a third round Carling Cup exit at the hands of Bolton.

However, while boss Gianfranco Zola described his side’s latest performance in the 3-1 defeat at Manchester City on Monday night as ‘nowhere near’ the standard he has come to expect from his players, he remains confident that they can turn things around in time for the visit of Roy Hodgson’s men.

“We were nowhere near the standard in the first half. We know we’re much better than that and we have to show it,” said the Italian. “I am angry with myself, with my team, with everybody right now. Not anybody, including myself, is doing what they are capable of – it’s as simple as that.

“I see the way these players train and the way they train is absolutely fantastic, but we need to take that onto the pitch as a team – not as individuals.

“I’m not concerned. I know we’re not getting the points we deserve but we will get there. It will be different on Sunday.

“We are preparing for a cup final on Sunday so everybody will be picking up the best thunder they can give, including myself.”

The West Ham faithful will hope that their manager’s rallying cry has the desired effect, as talk of European qualification at the beginning of the season threatens to turn into a quest for survival.

However, the situation remains far from a full-blown crisis, and with the likes of Luis Jiminez returning from injury, and Manuel Da Costa making an impressive debut in defence, there are still reasons to be hopeful for Hammers fans.

Fulham represent a great chance for Zola’s men to get back on track, as they are also battling to halt a poor run in form. The Cottagers, like West Ham, have lost their last three league games, although their performance against Arsenal on Saturday warranted much more. Both sides will be desperate for the three points and something will have to give.