West Ham have the squad to finish in the top four, insists James Collins

Hammers Time: West Ham celebrate Andy Carroll's goal in the 2-1 win over Chelsea
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Simon Johnson26 October 2015

James Collins is confident West Ham have learnt from their mistakes last season and are better equipped to maintain their top four challenge this term.

West Ham's 2-1 victory over Chelsea means they are currently in third place, a massive nine points ahead of Jose Mourinho's side and just two behind leaders Manchester City.

There was similar excitement at the club last year when they climbed to fourth at Christmas only to win just three more times to finish in 12th spot come May.

But with summer signing Dimitri Payet and on-loan star Manuel Lanzini continuing to make a major impact, Collins said: "We are in a better shape to sustain it. The major thing is we have to squad to do it (finish in the top four). We have competition for places in every position.

"Last year we struggled after getting a couple of injuries and that knocked us off track - maybe we were not as focussed as we should have been.

"But the squad this season has been improved so much that if we're there or thereabouts at Christmas, there is no reason why we can't finish there at the end of the season.

"The confidence is massive. The banter in the dressing room is the best I’ve known it. We look forward to training and we’re on fire at the minute.

"Last year a lot of the lads hadn’t been in that position of challenging at the top. The expectation was so high. We took our eye off the ball. But we’ve signed top-quality international footballers who are used to that pressure.”

West Ham have also been boosted by the return to fitness of striker Andy Carroll, who scored his first goal since January to secure all three points against Chelsea.

Carroll has suffered numerous injury problems since joining from Liverpool permanently for £15 million in 2013 and has started just 24 League games.

Player Ratings: West Ham vs Chelsea

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But Collins feels the 26-year-old can be a major asset in their pursuit of Champions League football.

The West Ham defender added: “Any team in the League would be delighted to have someone like Carroll. He came on against Chelsea and he was spot on.

"He’s come in for a bit of stick with his injuries, but he's trained hard and since he’s come back he’s been great. We’re reaping the rewards of his hard work.

"He’s still a young lad but his dedication to getting fit and staying strong has been unbelievable. If I was defending and I saw him coming on I wouldn’t be too happy because you know what’s going to happen.

"He’s big. He’s strong. If you play the right ball to him I think he’s unplayable. He’s so good in the air. It’s impossible to get the ball off him.”

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