John Mikel Obi has called on the importance of an early goal when West Ham visit Stamford Bridge this afternoon.

With defeat to Manchester City a fortnight ago still lingering in the memory, the Nigerian midfielder is eager to return to winning ways, but believes we must start positively against a Hammers team desperate for points.

Gianfranco Zola's side currently sit 16th in the Barclays Premier League table, meaning both sides need to pick up points for very different reasons.

'At this stage of the season perhaps you can't expect to win everything because this is when teams are trying to figure out what they can do to stop you and to pick up points,' Mikel admitted.

'It has always been difficult, against West Ham especially, and they will want to frustrate us again but we have to attack and play our game, and try to make sure we get goals in the first 15, 20 minutes.

'I don't think we have been playing badly but we have not been at our best picking up results recently, which is what we are trying to do and we're trying to get things right.'

A look at the stats makes for interesting reading, and shows the important of striking early. In 13 league games where the Blues have led at half-time this season, we have gone on to win them all, while midway parity or deficit has brought about rather more mixed fortunes.

'I think it is important for us to try to get early goals,' stated the 22-year-old. 'I know Chelsea, when we get goals in the first 10, 15 minutes we go on to dominate and win the games, but in the second half it gets harder to break through, we get tired and the other team feels more settled defending.

'In training we are working very hard on breaking teams down when they do this, and I think towards the end of the season it will start paying off.'

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