Alan Pardew has admitted that he is "surprised" by Newcastle United's turnaround in form in the Premier League in recent weeks.
After struggling for points at the start of the season, the Magpies have gone on a five-match winning streak in the Premier League, as well as knocking defending champions Manchester City out of the Capital One Cup.
The manager told The Mirror: "It has surprised me, and some of the football we have played has been very consistent. But we look strong defensively and are a threat at almost any moment in the game.
"We want this to continue, but Upton Park is a tough place to go. There will be a tremendous atmosphere. They are only a point below us and on a great run themselves.
"They probably brought in the best transfers of any team in the summer, and those signings have taken the team forward."
If Newcastle beat West Ham United this weekend, the team will be on their longest winning run since Pardew took charge of the side.
Sian Cowper
