AVRAM GRANT is convinced West Ham can defy Premier League history and become only the second team to beat the drop after being bottom at Christmas.

West Brom are the only team to have dodged relegation after being bottom of the pile over the festive period since the beginning of the Premier League.

However, after seeing his side come from behind to secure a draw at Blackburn Rovers yesterday thanks to a Junior Stanislas goal, Grant is confident the Hammers can rewrite history.

“We can do it, of course,” he said. “As long as we show this spirit I am sure we can stay in this league. I am not interested in history and statistics.”

West Ham were hit by two late injuries before kick-off yesterday, with Zavon Hines and Valon Behrami pulling out, and Grant was impressed with the response.

“I was very impressed by the spirit of the boys because we needed to change the team at the last minute. It's not an easy place to come when you are losing. But in the second half we played well and created chances. We were the better side.”