Dinos Mavropanos was left disappointed after West Ham United fell to a 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa in their Premier League opener, but says there is plenty of positive momentum to take into our clash with fellow Londoners Crystal Palace next weekend.
The Hammers got themselves level through Lucas Paquetá’s penalty to go in level at half-time, having conceded within four minutes to Amadou Onana's header, and despite a purposeful second-half performance, were unable to go on and find the crucial second goal.
The game appeared to be heading for a draw until substitute Jhon Durán struck the decisive winner with eleven minutes left to play, when he steered home Morgan Rogers’ low cross from the left.
Mavropanos, who defended strongly alongside debutant Maximilian Kilman, was left to rue what might have been.
“We’re happy to be back in the Premier League and to see our fans again, but unfortunately, we couldn’t get the win as well, and it’s made us very disappointed,” said the Greek.
“It was a tough opponent. We knew already that they work really hard and have been together a long time. It was bad for us that we conceded an early goal, but I think in the end it was a quality game that was about details, and we couldn’t keep the result.
“There are many good things that we did. We’ve worked a lot in pre-season, and we saw how it can happen in the Premier League, so we will keep positive, analyse the negative things and improve ourselves.”
The 26-year-old says he and his teammates are working tirelessly in training as they adapt to the possession-based footballing philosophy of new Head Coach Julen Lopetegui - but insists it will take time.
“I am happy to be able to start and to help my team, but we have to work hard and get back to it next week," said Mavropanos. "It’s been a long journey from the end of last season till now, but we are happy to be back.
“Everyday we try to work hard because we have a new philosophy and new ideas, but today I believe there were a lot of positive things, and we have to keep on improving as a team."
The next opportunity for the No15 and his teammates to put that philosophy into action will come at Selhurst Park, where the Irons take on the Eagles in a 3pm kick-off next Saturday afternoon.
“We want to bounce back because this result is going to give us a boost to start the season better," Mavropanos concluded. "We are ready for this game."
