Zola looks for positives

Hammers boss believes his side still have time to beat the drop

Last updated: 6th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Zola looks for positives

Zola: Left rueing slow start

Related links

Teams

Also see

Gianfranco Zola remained upbeat despite his side's 2-1 defeat to Burnley in a crucial relegation clash at Turf Moor.

The Hammers fell behind after a goal from David Nugent and looked down and out when Danny Fox curled in a free-kick to double the lead.

But the visitors rallied and pulled a goal back through debutant Ilan before fellow new boy Mido struck the post in the dying seconds.

Zola was not happy with the way his side were outplayed in the opening stages but thought their overall performance would not have been undeserving of a draw.

"I think nobody would have said anything if we would have got a point today," the Italian told Sky Sports.

"I'm disappointed about the way we started, the first 20 minutes, other than that I was pleased and in the end, as I said, we could have got more that that.

"We should have been prepared better for them coming that way.

Deadline day signing Ilan made an immediate impact when he came off the bench to slot home the Hammers' only goal.

Unexpected

Zola reserved special praise for the new striker before stating that his side need to secure some vital home points against Birmingham on Wednesday.

"I think he's a good player and he came on and he looks alive. He's got pace and his quality is very important.

He added: "It is an unexpected defeat and I honestly don't like it but the (future) is going to be more difficult but we still have a lot of chances.

"Starting from Wednesday where we have a game where we need to perform very well.

"I think mostly our future is going to be decided at home because we have important matches there we can win.

"But also it will be important to pick up points away."

Click Here for Your Free Bet