Gabbidon's plea over star duo

Danny Gabbidon has urged his West Ham team-mates to step up their performances and help take the pressure off high-profile recruits Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.

The euphoria which accompanied the Argentine pair's arrival in the East End has immediately ebbed following a number of disappointing results for Alan Pardew's team.

The latest loss - Sunday's 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle - saw Tevez substituted at half time and Mascherano, too, made way before the end of the match.

Cynics have argued The Hammers' bubble has already burst, but Gabbidon believes it will take time before his team learns how to get the best from the star duo.

"With two new players coming into the side, it is going to take a little bit of time for them to settle and get used to us," said Gabbidon.

"They are good players and have done well so far. It is up to us to help them and raise our own game."