Stuart Pearce calls on West Ham to match champions Manchester City

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West Ham coach Stuart Pearce has called on his side to try and match Manchester City when they host the Premier League champions at London Stadium.

Pep Guardiola’s side sealed the title a fortnight ago, however, are seemingly far from slowing down, having followed that weekend with a 5-0 win over Swansea City.

Pearce, who was himself city manager for two years from 2005, joined West Ham as a coach under David Moyes following his appointment in November.

The Hammers manager has admitted his side will have to be at their tactical best on Sunday, and Pearce echoes that sentiment, saying there’s no reason to concede the game and lower their standards.

“We face Manchester City on Sunday and we will be tested because we’re playing against an outstanding side in this division, but that’s the level you’ve got to attain to,” Pearce told the club website.

“There’s no point setting your standards much, much lower – you’ve got to attain to the best team in the league and try to match them equivalently.”

West Ham had dropped into the bottom three on the eve of Moyes’ appointment. Now, with four games to go – three of which are at home, the Hammers are three clear of the drop and, while they still must face the champions and second-placed Manchester United, are tantalisingly close to securing safety.

Having secured some big results against the top six since November, Pearce is looking forward to the final run-in.

“We’re going into an exciting period, for me,” he added. “We’re playing two fantastic teams in the Manchester clubs, who are one and two in the league at the moment, here at London Stadium.

“We’ve got three out of the last four games at home and, with where we are in the division as well, it gives an opportunity to win a game and move up a few places.”

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