- Manuel Lanzini scores on his 50th Premier League appearance for West Ham United
- But goal is only a late consolation as Hammers are beaten 2-1 at home by Chelsea
- Argentine believes the team will bounce back with victory at AFC Bournemouth on Saturday
Manuel Lanzini had a night of mixed emotions on his 50th Premier League appearance for West Ham United.
The No10 continued his outstanding recent form with his sixth league goal of the season, but the well-taken strike was no more than a consolation in the Hammers’ 2-1 home defeat by Chelsea.
Speaking to whufc.com, Lanzini admitted the leaders had made the most of their opportunities to complete a clinical victory at London Stadium.
“Of course, Chelsea are a very good team and that is demonstrated by their position in the league,” he said. “I think they are the best team in the league, but we started the match well.
“They made it difficult for us with the way they counter-attacked and ran and passed the ball and against teams like this, they can score at any moment.
“Personally, of course I am happy to have scored a goal, because I always want to score to help my team, but I am even happier if we win the game.
“We need to work hard in the week and do better in the next match, because that is the only way we can respond to this result. That’s the reality for us.”
I always want to score to help my team, but I am even happier if we win the game
Manuel Lanzini
West Ham gave a decent account of themselves against the Antonio Conte’s side, having more shots and more possession than the Blues, only for a lightning-quick counter-attack and a set piece to undo all their good work either side of half-time.
First, Eden Hazard ended a break by rounding Darren Randolph to score, before Diego Costa bundled the ball home from a Cesc Fabregas. Those goals meant Lanzini’s accurate finish from Andre Ayew’s pass meant nothing points-wise.
Next up for West Ham comes a trip to AFC Bournemouth, with the Hammers keen to complete their second ‘double’ of the season after beating Crystal Palace home and away earlier this term.
The Cherries, who lost 1-0 at London Stadium back in August, go into the game on the back of a resilient 1-1 draw at Manchester United, but Lanzini believes he and his teammates can climb back into the top half with three points at the Vitality Stadium.
“Of course we can win on Saturday because we have a very good team and a very good group,” he confirmed. “We work hard in training and we can show that with a good performance at Bournemouth on Saturday.”