David Moyes declared himself “gutted” as the Hammers fought like tigers but came away from Manchester without a thing.
Commenting immediately after the game the manager said: “Yes, we are gutted we lost because we played very well for long periods.
Ultimately it was not to be but I was really pleased with the performance. Manchester City will always force you back but our defensive set-up was good but there are so many problems in the team that can cause you a problem.”
He admitted that he was disappointed with the winner which the commentary team on Sky were hyping as a magnificent piece of City magic from Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva.
He said: “We should have dealt with that a lot better but we have an 18 year old – who played really well – at central defence.”
But he was delighted with the character the team showed for 90 minutes – not 60 or 70 – but said: “They show me that on the training pitch every day. They are a great bunch of lads who will do everything to get out of trouble.
Against these top teams you have to concentrate and play well for 90 minutes – not 60 or 70.”