Aaron Cresswell has urged his West Ham team-mates to put a halt to their recent slump and ensure they finish the season strongly.

The Hammers made a flying start to the campaign, playing some of the most exciting football in the Premier League, and at one stage looked like they could be set for a European finish.

However, they have been poor since Christmas, winning just twice in the top flight in 2015, a run that has seen them drop to ninth in the table.

It means there is now huge pressure on both the players and manager Sam Allardyce to turn things around before the end of the campaign, otherwise it could be another big summer of change at Upton Park.

Despite the Hammers squad being more used to battling against relegation at this stage of the season, Cresswell insists their mid-table status is no excuse for their poor form and he’s desperate to ensure they end their season on a high.

“I don’t think the fact that we’re safe is any excuse, it shouldn’t be,” Cresswell told the club’s official website. “We’re all winners, we’re professional. We’ve got seven games left to try and make sure we don’t let the season fizzle out.

“We’ve had some tough games recently but it’s not an excuse though. With seven games to go we have to try and get any many points as possible.”

Following their recent blip, Saturday presents West Ham with the perfect chance to move up the table as they host Stoke in a game they are 2.25 to win, with the draw 3.25 and the Potters 3.40.