Gianfranco Zola admits his West Ham side needs to find the killer touch in front of goal if they are to turn possession into points this season

By KIRK BLOWS

Gianfranco Zola admits his West Ham side needs to find the killer touch in front of goal if they are to turn possession into points this season.

The Hammers have scored nine goals in seven league and cup outings this term but that figure should have been much greater.

And they were guilty of spurning several good chances before crashing out of the Carling Cup with a 3-1 extra-time defeat at Bolton on Tuesday.

Zola reflected on that result by admitting: "Finishing was one of the reasons we lost.

"I don't remember a game where we created so many opportunities.

"When you build up so many opportunities, you obviously need to do better."

Full-back Herita Ilunga opened the scoring but forwards Zavon Hines, Kieron Dyer and Alessandro Diamanti were among those who failed to take their chances on the night.

The Hammers also enjoyed the greater share of possession without making it count.

Zola added: "We're playing good football and that is encouraging, so we just need to improve a few things. At least we are producing some good football. We just need to be a little bit more precise and we will do better.