"If we had got three points against Liverpool we'd have been in the UEFA Cup positions - we have got to keep putting in the performances and then the wins will come," says Joe, whose phenomenal midfield performance against the Reds was only kept out of the headlines by Michael Owen's 100th Premiership strike.
"It is not the time to talk about Europe at the moment. Let's see how we are at the end of January or February as that is when the run-in starts, and we can really kick on from there."
Joe is loving every minute of his new found responsibility in the centre of midfield, and he says: "I've always said that I could play there, it's just that Harry didn't think I could play there in a four and I can - that's where I've played since I was a kid.
"I'm just learning the game. I love playing, and every time I go on the pitch I want to be the best player out there.
"Glenn tells me what he wants me to do and I do it because he is the boss - I do what he says and he tells me to go and get the team going.
"I am just enjoying my football and I want to keep the run going."
Joe says he was not aware beforehand that Sven-Goran Eriksson was attending the game, and he says: "You don't know he is there until maybe you look up at the screen and you see him - but it doesn't change the way you play.
"It is heavily in my thoughts but in the back of my mind. I can't do anything about England, only West Ham, so it is just a case of putting it in and if it happens it happens.
"If not I still give 100% for West Ham. It was contrasting displays from the first to the second half but I thought we played well.
"If you had given us a point at the start of the day we would have taken it, and on the run of the game I felt we deserved three points but it was that man again, Michael Owen."
He says he is not sure whether there was a handball before Owen's goal, and says: "I wouldn't like to make a comment on if it was a handball, but give him a chance and he will score because he is the best in the business."
And a thought on the new year?
"I'm trying to grow my goatee!"