Ashley Fletcher had mixed emotions after scoring his first goal for West Ham against his former club Manchester United, but was disappointed his side failed to reach the semi-finals of the EFL Cup.
Fletcher will never forget his first competitive goal for the Hammers after he scored at the Stretford End, but it was not enough to see his side take anything from the game at Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old was making only his second start of the season but showed once again that he is ready to compete at the highest level with another impressive display.
Fletcher says the goal will give him even more confidence ahead of the big London derby against Arsenal on Saturday at London Stadium and hopes he can stay among the goals.
“On a personal note it was unbelievable to get my first goal for West Ham at the Stretford End.
“I have been told over the years to follow up a shot and something like that doesn't happen to De Gea as you could see on Sunday when I should have really scored. But to score tonight was magnificent.
“It can only give me a lot of confidence getting my first goal for West Ham and I go into every game thinking I can score and now I have got my first one, hopefully many more will follow.
“I am pleased with how I played but it is a team game and we leave disappointed. Everyone wants to do well in these cup competitions and they give you a real platform to build on for the rest of the season.
“But now we have to concentrate on the league. We have got Arsenal on Saturday which is going to be another tough game.”
Fletcher says the players are determined to bounce straight back against the north London club on Saturday and get a crucial victory to help them move further clear of the bottom three.
After being handed a starting place at Old Trafford, the talented forward is desperate to keep his place in the team and get off the mark in the Premier League.
Fletcher added: “I can sense the lads in the dressing room want to bounce straight back on Saturday. We have been playing well the last couple of weeks and we got a point at Old Trafford on Sunday which we fully deserved.
“It is just the little things which have let us down and we have to try and eradicate those errors and go again on Saturday.
“This is a massive London derby and every game in the Premier League is a tough game, but we know we can give Arsenal a good game.
“I will be hoping to start again on Saturday. The manager has got some tough decision as there is so much competition. I think Andy will be back on Saturday so it will be fierce competition for places in the striking role.