Source: SKY_Sports
Zola pleased with performance
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola insists he was encouraged by his side's performance despite falling to a 3-2 defeat against Liverpool.[LNB] A pulsating affair at Upton Park was decided in the second period when Fernando Torres rose highest to head home a dramatic winner fifteen minutes from time.[LNB]West Ham more than played their part in what was one of the best games of the season so far and Zola was quick to draw on the positives.[LNB]"Today was very encouraging," said Zola. "We were unfortunate not to pick up any points. But we will get better and it won't be long."[LNB]One of the successes for Zola, along with new-boy Alessandro Diamanti, was the performance of winger Zavon Hines.[LNB]Exciting prospectHe had Liverpool's rearguard struggling all afternoon and he could have put the home side in front in the opening minutes.[LNB]"Zavon has done very well in the last week but today was even better against a difficult team," said Zola. "The boy is taking his chances very well. He helped the team defensively and he is establishing himself, which is down to his work and attitude.[LNB]"You need to have players like him. I am hoping a few others will do the same in the next few weeks. He is playing with a brave attitude and making an impact."[LNB]ControversyDiamanti scored West Ham's first-half equaliser from the spot, but the Italian appeared to touch the ball twice when he slipped as he took the penalty.[LNB]"It was decided before the game that Diamanti would take any penalties," added Zola.[LNB]"His penalty was very scary. I think he slid as he took it, but he said that he meant to do it. But he had a good game and worked a lot for the team."[LNB]
