The Hammers remain at the foot of the table despite their 3-1 success against Latics, but are now within striking distance of a position of safety. They followed up that Premier League triumph with a stunning 4-0 Carling Cup quarter-final success over previously unbeaten Manchester United to further lift spirits at Upton Park and ease the pressure which had been building on Grant's shoulders. And midfielder Behrami, who found the net against Wigan, explained how the players took it upon themselves to discuss their previously woeful start to the season without Grant in a bid to aid the Israeli. "We talked as a team, because the manager did a lot of things for us. It was the moment to talk to each other face to face without the manager, because it's something that comes from us," he told the East London Advertiser. "The manager can give support, but there was a moment when we had to give something more. This is how important the team spirit is. "We needed this win. It was very important for the table and the spirit of the team. "There has been a long time where we didn't win and it was massively important to win this game. "But we know it has to only be the beginning, because now we need to come back for a lot of points still. We need to have the same mentality of this week." The next test for the Switzerland international and his team-mates is Sunday's trip to the Stadium of Light to tackle a Sunderland side yet to be beaten in front of their own supporters. "Every game is important, but Sunderland is one of the key matches, where we can turn our season, or come back," he added. "We are ready. If we keep this attitude and everybody works, I'm positive."
