Graham Potter was gutted for his Hammers side after a hard-fought display at Anfield failed to earn a point.

It was always going to be a tough game for West Ham, away from home against the soon-to-be Premier League champions, however the performance certainly did not warrant a defeat.

“I’m devastated for the players because they gave everything in the game,” said the West Ham boss to the clubs Official Website. “It was a really strong performance; probably the best performance we’ve had.

“The balance between defence and attack was really good over the course of the game. I think we suffered at the start. It was an emotional atmosphere, and Liverpool came out with big intensity, moved the ball fast and it was difficult for us.

“At the same time, we stuck in there and were resilient, and that hasn’t always been the case. And we grew into the game

“We created some big opportunities and hit the bar again. We scored the goal, and then you start to think you’ve got something to show for your effort and for the quality.

“But, maybe that’s the difference. The team at the top of the league has the mentality to keep going and see it out, and unfortunately we don’t take anything from the game.”

Despite the defeat, Potter wanted to focus on the positives, with one eye now very much on the summer transfer window ahead as everyone associated with the club looks to draw a line under a difficult year and look ahead to a much brighter future under the former Brighton boss.

“We’ve been competitive in all the games, and we just have to get over the line now,” said Potter.

“I think we’ve had a couple of halves that we’ve not been happy with at all in recent months, against Brentford at home and the first half of Wolves away. Apart from that, we’ve been really competitive.

“Without being fantastic in terms of where we want to move to, we’ve certainly been competitive and together. Today was probably a step on again, set over the course of the game. Performance-wise, it’s as strong as we’ve been.

“So, we have to stick to that and concentrate on the positives and then go again next weekend, against Southampton.”