West Ham United defender James Tomkins knows today's game with Arsenal is a test of their credentials.

Win against Arsenal and local Basildon boy Tomkins insists the result will go a long way to underlining West Ham's European credentials. Yet if they lose, there's a danger they could fall by the wayside.

"The league doesn't really lie and I think the performances that we've put on against the top teams have been exceptional like against Manchester City and Liverpool," he told the Mail on Sunday.

"But this Christmas period is important and you're going to see some teams fall by the wayside.

"That just goes to show how important the squad is, especially at this time of year because you will pick up injuries and suspensions.

"I've been here since I was eight-years-old and, in a way, it's like a dream because West Ham are not really meant to be up there - or so some people say. But we've got a very good team and we expect a lot from ourselves. We deserve to be there though. Then again, I don't think we expected to be where are to be honest with you."