West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui admitted it was substance over style in our win over Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup last night.

The Hammers Head Coach oversaw a performance that required more grit and patience than one that showcased free-flowing football that many might have been more expecting to see, whilst admitting the Cherries were a difficult nut to crack.

“We came up against a very good team, who gave us some difficulties,” said Lopetegui to the clubs Official Website. “We suffered but it’s the only way that I know to go forward, suffering and being able to overcome a very good team.

“It was not luck, as you have to work very hard to have this luck. Sometimes you are a little lucky, but in the end the team is ready to suffer, to run, to fight and take advantage of our strengths.

“We have to improve but I prefer to keep the good things, and today the good things for sure is that we overcame a very good team.

“They had clear chances, we did too, but in the end fortunately we scored, we won and it’s us to go forward.”

The Spaniard highlighted the injury situation which occurred last night, with Aaron Cresswell sustaining an issue during the pre-match warm-up.

“Unfortunately we had a problem in the warm-up with Cress with his hamstring,” stated the boss.

“We had to make a change, but in the end we overcame all of these difficulties as a team.

“It’s the first match that Edson has played for three months. It was not easy for him and it’s good for him that step by step he gets closer to his best way.”

West Ham now turn attentions back to the Premier League, with the visit of champions Manchester City on Saturday.

“The first task is to recover as soon as possible, because Manchester City did not play this midweek,” added Lopetegui.

“They are going to be ready and we have to recover to be ready to face a very difficult match.

“We have to think right now about the next challenge for sure.”