• Premier League

Defiant Grant not feeling the heat

ESPNsoccernet staff
December 19, 2010
West Ham got a draw at Blackburn © PA Photos
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West Ham manager Avram Grant believes he can overcome history by keeping his rock bottom team in the Premier League this season.

Grant's job is rumoured to be on the line, with one win reportedly required before the new year for him to keep his post, but Grant is not only confident of his position but also of steering West Ham out of the relegation zone despite their return of just 13 points going into Christmas.

Following his side's 1-1 come-from-behind draw at Blackburn, the first of three matches Grant is supposedly chasing a win from to avoid the sack, Grant said he was ready to defy the near flawless record of teams bottom at Christmas being relegated at the end of the season.

"We can do it, of course," said Grant, buoyed by his side's comeback. "As long as we show this spirit I am sure we can stay in this league. I am not interested in statistics and history."

Halting Blackburn's home winning streak was one of West Ham's better moments this season and one achieved without injury victims Robert Green, Victor Obinna and Valon Behrami, the latter pulling out in the warm-up.

Grant said: "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 to when you are losing. But in the second half we played well and created chances. We were the better side."

Grant, who has rejected the claims he needs a victory in his upcoming matches to survive the chop, next welcomes Fulham to Upton Park on Boxing Day.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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