Mohamed Diame was able to take some comfort from his fine first goal for West Ham United in the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday.
Diame opened the scoring with a superb individual effort, but Oliver Giroud equalised for the visitors just before half-time. The Hammers had chances but were caught on the break by Theo Walcott before Santi Carzorla sealed the result with a long-distance strike.
"I think we had a good start to the match," Diame said. "We were really focused and took the lead, but overall it is very disappointing for us because we lost the game.
"I am very happy because I scored my first goal of the season, but like I said it is hard because we lost the game. Hopefully the next time I score we will win the game."
The combative midfielder was booked by referee Phil Dowd for his celebration after the emotion of opening his account for the Hammers got the better of him. Diame then had to show restraint for the rest of the match to avoid picking up a second booking.
"I know the booking was my fault," he said. "It came very early on so it had a massive effect on the way I played the rest of the game because it meant I couldn't play the way I normally do.
"I also came in a little bit late on Mikel Arteta in the second half and I feared for the worst, luckily the referee gave me another chance but the earlier yellow card had already killed my game."
Overall the Hammers put in a very impressive performance, matching the Gunners for much of the 90 minutes; Diame however rued the many missed opportunities the home side passed up.
"When you see the game and see how well we played early on it is a very disappointing result. We were at home and we should have got something from the game.
"When it was 1-1 we had chances to take the lead and make it 2-1 but we didn't so now we need to make sure we are ready and focused for the next game."
Diame will now join up with Senegal ahead of a tricky-looking tie with the Ivory Coast and the former Wigan Athletic man is hoping for back-to-back wins for club and country upon his return.
"I am now going away to play with my national team, we have a very difficult game but I hope I can get a win for my country.
"It will also be a chance to get some rest ahead of playing Southampton where we can hopefully get three points."
