Monday 19 January 2015 10:07, UK
West Ham striker Andy Carroll says the club are targeting European qualification after securing their biggest win of the season.
Three second-half goals saw the Hammers ease to a 3-0 victory at home to Hull on Super Sunday, a result that leaves Sam Allardyce’s side within four points of the Champions League places.
The victory was West Ham’s first Premier League win in a month and Carroll remains confident the Hammers can now keep pressing at the top end of the table.
"There's a belief in the dressing room,” Carroll said when asked if he thought his side could qualify for Europe. “I don't see why not with the performances we’ve given week-in, week-out.
“I know we haven’t had a win in the last few games, but we've had the performances that can take us up to the top.
“The way we’ve been playing the goals have been there, ready to take, and I think today we deserved it.”
Carroll opened the scoring early on in the second half as he reacted quickest to Hull keeper Allan McGregor fumbling Enner Valencia’s shot to bundle home from close range.
Further strikes from Morgan Amalfitano and Stewart Downing completed the scoring, but the Hammers No 9 was keen to praise striking coach Teddy Sheringham for his part in the first goal.
“Teddy’s a big believer in following in and we’ve been doing that since he’s turned up at the club, so there’s one for him,” the 26-year-old added.
“It’s rewarding when you follow them in. A goal’s a goal whether it’s spectacular or not.
“Obviously the first half wasn’t a great performance from us, but we came out second half, scored an early goal and created a lot more chances.”
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