Edson Álvarez had mixed feelings following West Ham United’s 3-1 Premier League defeat at the hands of an Erling Haaland-inspired Manchester City.
While the midfielder was naturally disappointed to end the day on the losing side, the game also marked his first Premier League start since suffering a hamstring injury while in action for Mexico at the Copa América in June.
Álvarez was back to his usual energetic self at London Stadium, making a number of tackles and clearances as West Ham sought to slow the champions.
However, despite the efforts of the No19 and his teammates, they were unable to stop the irresistible force that is Haaland, who made it back-to-back Premier League hat-tricks, seven goals in three games this season, and seven in five appearances against the Hammers.
"Of course I am very happy to play my first game this season as a starter in the Premier League," the No19 confirmed.
"It has been a long journey [since the injury in the Copa América] and a lot of hard work, but I always told myself that everything happens for a reason and in that moment maybe you don’t understand but this is what makes you stronger.
"As a player you want to go onto the pitch as soon as possible but of course the medical staff need to control you! It’s difficult sometimes but you need to follow the way and I think we did the right things
"It was a good challenge for me today because I can prove my hamstring [is recovered]. It’s always so good to play against these kind of teams, because in my opinion City is one of the best teams in the world.
"They challenge you to see where you are and where you can improve and of course we are sad [at the result] but we need to look forward because we have a very strong team and in my opinion we can do very good things."
After one victory and two hard-fought defeats in their opening three Premier League games of the new campaign, the Hammers will now break for the first international window of the season.
However, Alvarez will remain in east London after agreeing with the Mexico national set-up that his recovery will continue to be best served with the Hammers.
He is looking forward to that graft over the coming fortnight and is excited for what is to come after.
"It’s a decision of the national team [for me to remain in London] and they understand my situation, they understand that I just came back from a big injury," he explained.
"So I hope to keep working, to get my best form as soon as possible.
"We need to keep the good things and of course we need to improve lots of things too, but this is the way if you want to improve. Everyone needs to look at each other to see what we can improve."
