Kevin Nolan revealed his delight after West Ham United's 1-0 Barclays Premier League home win over Aston Vila, with the skipper claiming the Hammers had come away with everything they wanted.
After a fractious opening period the hosts settled well and dominated large parts of the game creating a host of good opportunities.
Nolan grabbed the winner in the 40th minute after good work from Ricardo Vaz Te. Speaking post-match, the skipper praised his side for making a perfect start.
"We got exactly what we wanted from the game," he said. "We spoke before about how important it was to get off to a winning start and we have done that, while we also kept a clean sheet.
"We could have scored three or four. The lads were terrific, especially in the heat, as I'm sure many people can imagine it was hard enough simply watching the game.
"The lads were terrific and we have hopefully given ourselves a stepping stone ahead of what will be another tough game [at Swansea City] next weekend."
There was a hint of controversy surrounding Nolan's goal with the assistant referee raising his flag, but the skipper believes the correct decision was eventually made as replays showed the ball was flicked-on by VIlla defender Ciaran Clark.
"I was under no illusions that it wasn't a goal. The ball came off a defender so I knew Ricardo was onside and knew that if I converted the chance we would go in front.
"That is why I went off celebrating because I was extremely happy, it was nice to get off the mark and hopefully it will be the first of many."
The second half saw the Hammers dominate and Nolan could have had a second past former Newcastle United team-mate Shay Given but for some commendable last-ditch defending.
"I beat Shay but the defender managed to get his body in the way. I was absolutely gutted about that one because it would have been nice to score another past him but one is good enough.
"We worked very hard for it. Last season was tough because teams came here and they sat behind the ball, but this year you can already see things are going to be a lot different."After the perfect start to their campaign you could forgive the players for getting a little carried away, but Nolan insisted that everybody understands the challenge ahead.
"It's going to be very tough and we know that, but we are up for the battle and we are happy with who we have brought in. Hopefully by the end of the window there will be a few other new faces to improve us and take us forward.
Nolan also paid tribute to the mind set of his team, commending them on their patience during a testing opening period.
"In the Premier League you sometimes have to be a little patient. In the first 20 minutes they controlled the ball well but we managed to restrict them from creating many chances.
"As the half wore on we got more of a foothold in the game and as soon as the goal went in we controlled it."
After the perfect start to their campaign you could forgive the players for getting a little carried away, but Nolan insisted that everybody understands the challenge ahead.
"It's going to be very tough and we know that, but we are up for the battle and we are happy with who we have brought in. Hopefully by the end of the window there will be a few other new faces to improve us and take us forward."
Manager Sam Allardyce compared his skipper to former England international David Platt, who made a name by scoring important goals. It was a comparison Nolan gladly accepted.
"I have never heard the gaffer say that about me before - but it is a compliment obviously because David was a great player who played for England and scored a lot of goals during his career.
"I haven't modelled myself on him I must admit, but I wouldn't mind his goal-scoring record when I finish my career.
"Scoring goals has always been a huge part of my career, I just have to carry on popping up in the box and hopefully they will keep going in."
With a trip to Swansea next on the agenda for Big Sam's side, Nolan is hopeful that they can go to the Liberty Stadium and pick up another positive result.
"We are a building a team for the Premier League and hopefully over the next few years you will see us execute our plan and see West Ham United back where they belong.
"This is just a small stepping stone for what will be a tough yet ultimately good season for us. We are not going to get carried away with our wins, and we are not going to be too disheartened by our losses.
"Our ultimate aim is to be sitting pretty in the table come May and to be ready to build and improve for another season in the top flight.