Slaven Bilic feels West Ham’s summer transfer business has given them the platform for a successful season.
The Hammers climbed up to fifth in the English Premier League after Monday night’s 2-0 win over Newcastle at Upton Park.
Dimitri Payet was the star of the show with both goals, illustrating why Bilic was so keen for the club to splash £10.5 million for his services from Marseille.
Chelsea loanee Victor Moses put in a hugely encouraging debut while the Hammers’ bench, which was full of youngsters at Liverpool a fortnight ago, included fellow new signings Nikica Jelavic, Michail Antonio and Pedro Obiang, as well as fit-again striker Andy Carroll.
Bilic said: “We’ve had a good start so far, it’s small proof we have done well in transfer window and I am happy now with this team.
“I think we play can various systems and that makes us happy at the moment.”
Carroll was introduced as a late substitute against his former club for his first appearance since suffering a knee injury in February.
The striker has endured a miserable time with injuries since joining West Ham from Liverpool in 2012, and Bilic is hopeful of finally getting a run of games from the 26-year-old.
“It is very important for him, and very important for the club,” added Bilic. “It’s almost like signing a new player. It was a really good night, for us and also for him.”
While the Hammers are flying high in the table, defeat saw Steve McClaren’s Newcastle slump to the bottom.
The Toon’s players and coaching staff only arrived at the stadium less than an hour before kick-off due to heavy traffic, and they were caught cold when Payet curled in a fine opener after nine minutes.
Payet doubled the lead just after half-time, following up after Moses’ shot came back off the crossbar, to leave McClaren with plenty to think about ahead of Saturday’s visit of Watford.
“We have to learn from this and move on and give a reaction on Saturday,” he said.
“We don’t want the players to be anxious. The players have quality and ability and they have shown that over the previous four games.
“The only thing you can do is dust yourself down and look forward to challenge of a home game on Saturday and the opportunity to put that result to bed.”