To capture three points from our last two games is by no means a disaster, but it was disappointing we could not get a draw on Sunday,"" says Tony Cottee

TO capture three points from our last two games is by no means a disaster, but it was disappointing we could not get a draw on Sunday.

It's quite funny because every time we play Everton, people always come and say to me that it must be hard for you to watch because you played for both teams. To be honest I am diplomatic, but I'm from the area and I am a West Ham fan, so there is only one team I want to win, although of course I do want Everton to do well in the rest of their games.

It was a wonderful strike from Louis Saha to give them the lead and although it was disappointing to see us concede a second, when we got a goal back, I thought we would go on and nick a point.

Carlton Cole was always going to be a big miss for us on Sunday and so it proved. Zavon Hines came up against two big experienced centre halves and although he got in a few good positions they won everything in the air.

Carlton would have probably bullied them both and I, like most West Ham fans, are hopeful he won't be out too long.

Everton were very narrow and basically went into the game with four central midfielders.

We lack width and because we also play a narrow game at times we had trouble breaking through, although when he came on in the second half Alessandro Diamanti made a difference.

He brought excitement and his deliveries into the box at times were very impressive, I just hope he stops shooting from 45 yards all the time!

I have also been impressed by the performances of Manuel Da Costa since he came into the team against Aston Villa on Wednesday.

The initial reports I read about him were not great, but he dealt well with the physical threat of Villa well and put in another good showing on Sunday, I hope that continues although I was a bit disappointed to see James Tomkins left out, but I suppose as a young player you will be given breaks from the game now and again.

One player who does not need a rest is Valon Behrami. It takes time to get back to full fitness after spending so long out of the game with injury and because of that I am not surprised that he is yet to find his top form.

You can get through the first few games after coming back through adrenaline, but that soon goes and after that you just need to keep playing and eventually the form returns.

One player who is on form at the moment is Hines and I am a big fan of his.

He played so well when he came on against Villa and he really should be persevered with up front, especially if Carlton continues to be absent.

On Sunday he probably put in his most disappointing performance to date, but that happens with young players.

He missed a couple of chances and should have scored, but as a former striker I know you learn just as much, if not more by missing chances then scoring them.

He found himself in some useful positions and I would be a lot more worried if he did not take up those positions to score, but he has shown he has got good positional sense.

Zavon has so far proved to be a very good impact player and after all it is only his first season playing first team football and he is still learning the game.

He won't get to play every game, but unless you are an amazing talent like say Wayne Rooney or Ryan Giggs you won't play every week. It is a lot better for everyone if young players are eased into the team.

Junior Stanislas is another young player who made an appearance on Sunday and he came on, scored and did well.

He has been out of the team a bit lately, but he will definitely get some games because there are not many wing options for Zola at the moment.

Zola is dealing and developing them in my opinion the right way and it will take a few years for youngsters to be regular first team footballers.

Tony Cottee was talking to Matt Diner