Carlton Cole: West Ham United can only get better

England striker says it's almost Hammer time…

25 Sep 2009 13:47:00

More On :  West Ham, Carlton Cole, Manchester City vs West Ham
Carlton Cole and Ledley King jump for control of the ball as West Ham take on Tottenham.
By Mark Seabourne

West Ham United have made their worst Premier League start in seven years but striker Carlton Cole feels that his side are beginning to spark into life.
Don't Miss

Manager Gianfranco Zola is aiming for a European place but the Hammers are currently well short of that – they lie 14th with only one win and a draw in five games.

But Cole believes their hearty showing against Liverpool, even in a 3-2 defeat, is cause for optimism.

"We didn't get what we deserved out of the game and we matched them like for like, but they've got class players that will punish you if you make one little mistake and that's what happened," the striker told The Guardian.

"The manager's looking to improve and you can see how much improvement there was.

"We didn't play well at Wigan last week and that is the main plus point for us to take from this game.

"All I can say is that we're close to where we want to get to and what we want to achieve."

Cole is also encouraged by the return of injured stars such as Dean Ashton and Valon Behrami. The 25-year-old England attacker is sure that they can attain European qualification.

"We've got good players to do that [push for Europe] and have a strong squad.

"We've got some players coming back from injury as well and they will be like new signings for us.

"After the Christmas period we're going to be really strong.

"We're just finding our way right now but we will get the results that we need soon."

West Ham's attack has been boosted by a unpredictable and livewire youngster in Zavon Hines. Cole is glad to be playing alongside the emerging talent.

"He's a real talent and an asset for the club.

"Hopefully he can keep going from strength to strength."

West Ham will be hoping to get their season on track but face the daunting prospect of a trip to Manchester City – also with a point to prove after that derby defeat – on Monday evening.

Follow Goal.com on Twitter

Follow Goal.com on Facebook
 
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line

    England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012

  2. How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory

    Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused

  3. In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012 In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012

    The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament

  4. The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution

    The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market

  5. Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job

    The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday