David Moyes says he is convinced West Ham will not be in danger of relegation towards the end of the season.
The Hammers have endured a miserable campaign so far and are one off the bottom of the Premier League table.
But they produced a hugely encouraging performance in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester City, where they were beaten by a late goal.
And recently-appointed manager Moyes believes it showed his team is capable of climbing the table.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Moyes said: “I don’t think we’ll be in trouble.
“We have a good team, good players and I think the performance gives us hope that it can be done.
“I thought the players’ effort and energy showed it can be done. It gives us a real chance.
“I said to them that if we do that against the other top teams we’ll give ourselves a chance.”
Angelo Ogbonna’s header on the stroke of half-time put Moyes’ side ahead at the Etihad Stadium, where Nicolas Otamendi equalised and David Silva’s netted City’s winner.
Moyes spoke after his appointment about wanting to play attacking football, but against Premier League leaders City his team got men behind the ball – an approach the Scot insisted was necessary.
He said: “I want to be attacking, but we were playing against a team that hardly gives you the ball.
“You’re not just going to stand there and give them the opportunities to score.
“I’m not here to make City look good. I am here to try to get a result for West Ham.”