Slaven Bilic has called on West Ham to improve their performances ahead of eagerly anticipated EFL Cup fourth round London derby against Chelsea in October.
West Ham beat League One side Accrington Stanley 1-0 on Wednesday courtesy of an injury-time Dimitri Payet free-kick, with the France star delivering a much-needed win for the Hammers.
Bilic's side lie 18th in the Premier League table after losing four of their opening five games as well as exiting the Europa League before the group stages.
The Hammers' late cup win sets up a mouth-watering cup derby against Chelsea at London Stadium next month, but Bilic knows his side will have to be in better form to trouble Antonio Conte's Blues.
"Chelsea at home is a great game," Bilic told the club's official website. "Let's say that it's a very good thing for us is that we're playing at home and that it's a one-off tie.
"I’m expecting us to make improvements in the meantime. We have to earn a couple of good results and then the confidence will come back to us.
In Pictures: West Ham vs Accrington Stanley
"We were looking to build our confidence with a better display, but the most important thing is to win, and to do it in the dying seconds does give us a boost."
The match looked to be heading for extra-time on Wednesday night before Payet stepped up and curled in yet another free-kick, cementing his status as one of the game's top dead-ball specialists.
BIlic was not surprised by the goal, adding: "Dimi has done a few of them for us and for France.
"Everyone knows when we have a free-kick in that position that he can do it. It's a great moment from a great player."
