Defender Kyle Walker-Peters was delighted to help West Ham United to an emphatic 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in his first Premier League start for the Hammers.
The right-back was named in his first starting Premier League XI this season on what was his 150th top-flight appearance as Graham Potter’s side returned to winning ways with the Hammers' first Premier League victory at the City Ground since 1996.
To be given the nod by Potter was a just reward for Walker-Peters, who made his full debut just five days earlier in the Carabao Cup clash at Molineux against Wolverhampton Wanderers. There, he provided an assist for Tomáš Souček and demonstrated his attacking threat from the full-back position.
When asked to assess the team's overall performance at the City Ground, Walker-Peters said: “It was resilient. It probably wasn't our best game, but it was solid. Everyone was helping each other, and that's what you need sometimes.
“Our confidence probably going into the game was a bit lower than we wanted, but we stuck together and got the result in the end.
“At half-time he (Potter) was honest with us, and he said we have a lot more to give. He praised our defending, said we defended excellently, but we have a lot more, and I think we showed that in the second half.”
Walker-Peters admits there was a temptation to push forward as the Hammers laid siege to the Forest goal in the latter stages, but stayed disciplined to help his team keep their valuable first clean sheet of the campaign.
The 28-year-old also believes the international break has come at the right time for the Irons, who will have the chance to build momentum after the September international break when Walker-Peters’ former side Tottenham Hotspur visit London Stadium.
Walker-Peters added: “It was tough for me because I really want to get forward and start getting more assists and goals myself, but I had a job this game to be a bit more defensive, and I had to stay switched on to the job. Thankfully, I was able to do that amongst all the excitement.
“I think you want to start the season well. We weren't able to, but I think getting a win going into the break is really good for the team. It builds the confidence, and during this week we'll work hard and get ready for Spurs.”
