West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse has stated that our Hammers were unfortunate to lose to champions Manchester City yesterday.

The summer signing from Southampton, who added another goal to his incredible start to life in east London, feels that the game plan worked well but the champions simply had too much and their quality edged the affair.

It was the first time so far this season that David Moyes’ side have tasted defeat, and the fact it was fine margins against arguably the best side on the planet at present is a real testament as to where West Ham are as a club these days.

“When you come against a Man City team you’ll be up against it and sometimes you have to hold your hands up and say ‘fair play’,” said the former Southampton captain to whufc.com. “All of their goals were of real quality, and just a shame we couldn’t respond or hold on to our lead.

“We’re a resilient team and we’re a team that is difficult to break down. In the week, we build up to these sorts of games. We were unlucky not to hold on in this game, but equally we have to hold our hands up and say City are a great team and deserved the win.”

Despite the defeat, Ward-Prowse believes there is a lot to be excited about in east London this season, with the midfielder excited for what lies ahead, especially with a new European campaign in the horizon.

“I wasn’t here to experience the trophy last year but, coming here, you can feel that this is a Club on the rise,” added the set-piece specialist. “This is a Club that is growing, and we’ve got another European adventure to look forward to.

“We’re excited for the challenge. We’re ready to go again.”