World NewsZola Still Wants To Win With Style |
GIANFRANCO Zola knows West Ham must tighten up at the back to progress, but has vowed to remain faithful to the club's traditions of attacking football.
The Hammers put some daylight between themselves and the bottom three, and also gained ground on the sides above, with a 5-3 victory over Burnley at Upton Park.
The relief at the final whistle, which followed a late fightback by the Clarets, was evident all around the ground as West Ham chalked up only a third Barclays Premier League win of a frustrating campaign.
Zola, though, believes his squad have turned the corner ahead of another stern test when champions Manchester United come to east London next weekend.
And the former Chelsea forward has no intentions of approaching matches with any other focus than fully stretching the opposition.
"I know that we have to defend better in certain circumstances, but it was a good day for us," said the Italian.
"It is true we have dropped many points and we need to realise that we must be switched on until the end, because the edge from losing and winning a game is so close.
"The mental side of that is so important.
"I was an offensive player and obviously I like the team to play offensively, but there are moments in the game where you have to be solid, and we know about that.
"We are playing football the way the fans like, so that is what we try to do.
"It was important to win and we have done so. I think we have done it with style and that is the most important thing."
The victory was slightly overshadowed by a knee injury to Carlton Cole, the England striker having just returned to fitness.
"He twisted it a little bit, and the shin, but we will find out more after a scan," said Zola.
"If it is ligaments, it could be a while, but it is very difficult for me to say, so fingers crossed.
"Everybody knows how important Carlton Cole is for us, so hopefully it is not going to be too bad."
Jack Collison set the Irons on their way after 18 minutes, latching onto Scott Parker's quickly-taken free-kick to beat the static Burnley offside trap.
Junior Stanislas slotted in a second before Cole - who was replaced at the break - converted a penalty.
A close-range header from Guillermo Franco and another spot-kick from substitute Luis Jimenez saw the Hammers cruising at 5-0.
However, Burnley - who have just one point from seven away matches on their return to the top flight - did not lie down and battled back with a late double from Steven Fletcher, before Steven Caldwell was shown a straight red for pulling down Zavon Hines.
There was still enough time left for Chris Eagles to net a third.
Manager Owen Coyle had kept faith with the same starting XI for the fifth league match in succession and believes his faith in the players will prove justified.
The Clarets are 11th in the table having won five matches at Turf Moor, but are now only three points ahead of the Hammers.
"We will look to stick together, to evolve and stay in the Premier League," said Coyle.
"My players gave me everything in terms of effort, but what we need to brush up on is our decision making and individual errors.
"We know there is hard work ahead of us, we are not deluding ourselves.
"However, I won't look to criticise them because they have given me everything. I will encourage them."
Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association
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