West Ham United assistant manager Nikola Jurcevic had nothing but praise for his players and feels it was the perfect display as the Hammers completed a memorable double over Liverpool.
Just like the victory over Southampton, goals from Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll helped the Hammers come away with another important three points to make it the perfect start to 2016.
It was a superb all-round display as man of the match James Collins produced another outstanding display at the heart of the defence while Dimitri Payet reminded everyone why he is rated so highly with an impressive performance as a second half substitute.
Jurcevic was thrilled to see the Hammers make it back-to-back wins at the Boleyn Ground and had special praise for the two goalscorers.
Jurcevic said: “Antonio is a very good player. He didn't play much at the start because we had another player in that position but he has taken his chance and it was fantastic that he scored a beautiful goal. He was fighting for the team and it is a positive surprise for us.
“I said to Andy after the game that he not only scored a beautiful goal but he also played fantastic today. He was fighting against the Liverpool defence and was running for ninety minutes plus. I am very happy for him.
“We are really happy because it was a very good performance from our team. We played from the first minute with tempo, determination and we are very happy to have beaten Liverpool twice, following our 3-0 win at Anfield. I think it was the best start to the New Year.
“It was a fantastic performance from the whole team. We have a very good atmosphere in the team and all the players are fighting for each other and help each other.
“We have seen players who were not first-choice for a couple of months who are fighting for their place in the team and we have a good team spirit. Our fantastic supporters also helped us a lot and it was a great victory.”
Jurcevic said the only negative news to come out of the game was the injury sustained by Manuel Lanzini at the end of the first half, but hopes the Argentine midfielder will be back in action in the near future.
Jurcevic added: “Everything was fantastic for us today, except for one injury to Manuel Lanzini but I hope it will not be so bad and he will be fit in a short time.
“We had positive news with Payet back in action and you could see from the last 30 minutes how big a player he is with some technical skills, his moves and passing and it is very important for us to have in the team for the next game.
“The last two games we have taken six points and it is very important for us and our confidence. We can now look at the table and it looks good for everyone.
“We now face a cup match and have big ambitions for the tournament. We hope to get another victory against Wolves.”