West Ham United winger Stewart Downing has expressed his belief that his side's win over Leicester City was vital given their upcoming run of fixtures.
The Hammers maintained their excellent run of form this season with a 2-0 victory at Upton Park thanks to strikes from Andy Carroll and Downing.
The 30-year-old feels that it was important to pick up the three points with games against Chelsea and Arsenal awaiting Sam Allardyce's side this week.
He told the club's official website: "It was a big game for us on Saturday, with Chelsea and Arsenal coming up over the next week. We needed to win on Saturday and it was difficult for us.
"They made it hard for us and it was frustrating for large periods, but in the end we got the win and that's the main thing.The goals came at good times. Andy's killed them a little bit because they were passing it around and gaining confidence.
"We weren't really at the races for the first 20 minutes, with sloppy passing. We had to come out for the second half, start well and get the second goal. It was a good move that led to the goal, and we got the win and another clean sheet as well, so we're happy."
The Hammers are fourth in the Premier League with 31 points from their 17 matches this season.
Simon Sinclair
