Mervyn Day insists that West Ham United have every chance
of putting Saturday's FA Cup defeat against Watford behind them
by returning to winning ways in the Premiership this week.
The Hammers' assistant manager refused to make excuses as the Hornets produced a sting in the tail to end our cup hopes at the weekend, but pointed out the facts of an encounter that could so easily have ended in a comfortable victory for the home side.
"It was a very disappointing afternoon," he says. "I've been waiting to find out the stats for shots on target, saves, crosses, etc, because I thought we dominated in that sense, but unfortunately we just couldn't find the breakthrough we needed.
"It wasn't a wonderful game but, when you play against Watford, you know what's coming your way and, by and large, I thought we dealt well with most of what they threw at us.
"The goal was disappointing, of course. Roy Carroll made a decision to come for the cross but didn't get enough on the ball and their lad finished it well with the overhead kick. Apart from a header that Carlton Cole had to clear, though, they didn't really create anything else.
"On the other hand, we created plenty of chances and forced their goalkeeper into some good saves, while we have to also consider the problems we have had with injuries to defenders. We won't make excuses - because it is disappointing to lose a home game at any time - but it is important to point out the facts of our current situation."
Hammers will now be looking to bounce back almost immediately when Liverpool visit Upton Park in the Premiership tomorrow night, and Mervyn insists that there should be no fear about facing another tough match so soon.
"One positive aspect is that we are going to be straight back out there against Liverpool on Tuesday night," he says. "After a home defeat like Saturday's, you don't want to be moping around all week, so we've got to focus on that and make sure we perform.
"Hopefully it will be a typically special atmosphere under the floodlights at Upton Park and we can get a victory that will lift everybody.
"We've got to lift the boys, and they've got to lift themselves, because we are going to need to put a lot of work in to get a result."
Go to WHUTV now for more exclusive reaction from Mervyn Day.
The Hammers' assistant manager refused to make excuses as the Hornets produced a sting in the tail to end our cup hopes at the weekend, but pointed out the facts of an encounter that could so easily have ended in a comfortable victory for the home side.
"It was a very disappointing afternoon," he says. "I've been waiting to find out the stats for shots on target, saves, crosses, etc, because I thought we dominated in that sense, but unfortunately we just couldn't find the breakthrough we needed.
"It wasn't a wonderful game but, when you play against Watford, you know what's coming your way and, by and large, I thought we dealt well with most of what they threw at us.
"The goal was disappointing, of course. Roy Carroll made a decision to come for the cross but didn't get enough on the ball and their lad finished it well with the overhead kick. Apart from a header that Carlton Cole had to clear, though, they didn't really create anything else.
"On the other hand, we created plenty of chances and forced their goalkeeper into some good saves, while we have to also consider the problems we have had with injuries to defenders. We won't make excuses - because it is disappointing to lose a home game at any time - but it is important to point out the facts of our current situation."
Hammers will now be looking to bounce back almost immediately when Liverpool visit Upton Park in the Premiership tomorrow night, and Mervyn insists that there should be no fear about facing another tough match so soon.
"One positive aspect is that we are going to be straight back out there against Liverpool on Tuesday night," he says. "After a home defeat like Saturday's, you don't want to be moping around all week, so we've got to focus on that and make sure we perform.
"Hopefully it will be a typically special atmosphere under the floodlights at Upton Park and we can get a victory that will lift everybody.
"We've got to lift the boys, and they've got to lift themselves, because we are going to need to put a lot of work in to get a result."
Go to WHUTV now for more exclusive reaction from Mervyn Day.