Callum Wilson has asked for patience as West Ham United seek a response after the disappointment of losing out to Chelsea in the first London derby of the season.
The Hammers were beaten 5-1 at London Stadium on Friday as their difficult start to the 2025/26 Premier League season continued, having led - through Lucas Paquetá’s 25-yard strike inside six minutes - but succumbed to a painful defeat in east London.
However, Wilson, who made his home debut against the Blues, having come off the substitutes’ bench at half-time for Niclas Füllkrug, acknowledges it has been a challenging start and we must improve, but is confident that we can turn around our fortunes.
With a Carabao Cup tie against Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers next up on Tuesday evening, our No9 sees it as an opportunity to brush off the disappointment of the Premier League defeat by registering our first win of the season and build some much-needed momentum.
“It was a tough night against a top team,” Wilson told West Ham TV.
“We knew what we were up against. We started the game really well and went in front (for a second time), which was disallowed and probably took the wind out of our sails a little bit.
“Then we conceded [again], and you go from being on top of the world to facing an uphill battle, which we tried to do, but unfortunately it wasn't our night.
“We are professional. Whether you're in front or whether you're behind, the game plan still stays the same.
“You still have a job to do. Like I say, unfortunately, in football that can happen. The only thing you can do is stick together as a squad, as a Club, and try and put that right.
"We've got a cup game coming up [on Tuesday against Wolverhampton Wanderers] where we can get a result, hopefully, and build some momentum.
“I've experienced this situation many times before. I've had clubs who have not won a game until November and been absolutely fine. It's early days, but we need to put things right, which we know, but it's about sticking together.
"We've come off the back of a positive pre-season. The business has started. We need to get going, and we will do that, and like I say, it’s about all being as one.”
A positive for West Ham on an otherwise frustrating night was Wilson making his first home appearance at London Stadium, having made an impressive cameo on his debut at Sunderland on the opening day.
Despite trailing 3-1, the 33-year-old received a warm welcome from the Claret and Blue Army and explained his determination to repay the faith he has received.
“I appreciate that (the reception he received from the Claret and Blue faithful),” Wilson continued.
“It's a massive Club and a great opportunity for me. There's obviously faith there from the people at the top, and hopefully I can show the fans and repay the fans for what I'm about.
“It starts when you get opportunities and making sure you take them. Unfortunately, I had a few chances here and there [tonight], similar to last game, but I think that as a striker, the main thing is that you're getting opportunities.
“On another day, you end up getting two or three goals. It's just about keeping getting opportunities, and I have no doubt at all that I’ll score goals.
“I feel good. Even though I wasn't at the Club [for most of pre-season], I was still working hard behind the scenes and took myself away on my own pre-season camps, doing all I could.
“I've been working hard since I joined West Ham as well, training every day and hopefully starting games from the get-go will help in finding my flow and rhythm.”
