Manuel Pellegrini says West Ham played like a ‘big team’ in defeat at Arsenal

Despite a third defeat in three opening Premier League games, Manuel Pellegrini insisted he was happy with his West Ham side’s ‘big team’ performance in their 3-1 defeat against Arsenal .

Both teams went into the game without a point to their name and, in truth, the scoreline flattered an Arsenal side who, should the Hammers have been more precise with their finishing, could have been dead and buried by half time.

Another goal for Marko Arnautovic, who came off with a knee problem which will be assessed this week, opened the scoring after Felipe Anderson, who flourished in the No.10 role, had cruised through Arsenal’s midfield to provide the assist.

However, a quick reply from Nacho Monreal before an Issa Diop own goal, on his debut no-less, and a late Danny Welbeck finish left the Hammers still with nothing to show for their efforts.

“I am not very happy with the result but I am very happy with the performance of the team,” Pellegrini told reporters.

“It was what I demand from the players, to come here to Arsenal's stadium and with their players and to play as a big team, to think as a big team.

“We did it during the 90 minutes. We were very unlucky to concede the own goal and then when we conceded trying to score ourselves in the last minute.

“But I am very happy [with the performance] because we are in the correct way and soon this team will win more games than we are going to lose.”

After a League Cup tie at AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday, West Ham face a tough Premier League run of Wolves, Everton, Chelsea and Manchester United.