‘We need to find another level’: Midfielder looks ahead to key league clash

David Moyes admitted West Ham need to up their game ahead of this weekend’s clash with Arsenal as he challenged his midfield to find ‘another level.’

West Ham’s underwhelming start to the season continued in midweek as they crashed to a 2-0 defeat against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.

Just three days later, the Hammers host in-form Arsenal in a crucial Premier League clash, live on Sky Sports.

Goals have been hard to come by for West Ham this term, with Gianluca Scamacca the only player to score more than once in the Premier League.

Their struggles in front of goal were laid bare at St James’ Park, where Moyes’ men managed just one shot on target during the 90 minutes.

Moyes admits his team must offer more going forward if they are to get the better of an Arsenal side who have won their last six league games.

"I think we all need to find another level," Moyes said. "I think we know that.

"We've given the players a chance to show what they can do and we've seen that maybe we're a bit short in some areas.

"The players have got to find it within themselves. The staff have got to help them find it, but ultimately it's the players who've got to deliver it on the pitch."

West Ham's midfield has come under particular scrutiny this season, with Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice yet to reach the heights of previous campaigns.

Moyes knows his engine room must improve if West Ham are to challenge for a top-half finish this season.

"I think we need to find a bit more quality in midfield," Moyes added. "I think we need to find a bit more creativity.

"We've got players in there who can do it, but we need to find it more consistently."

Saturday's clash with Arsenal is a huge test for West Ham, who have won just one of their last five Premier League games.

Moyes knows his team need to find their best form if they are to avoid another disappointing result.

"I think we've got to go and show what we can do," Moyes said. "We've got to show that we can play at a higher level.

"Arsenal are a good side, but we've got to believe we can beat them. We've got to go out there and show that we can play at that level."