"WE will learn and get better."

West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola believes his side's first Premier League defeat of the season has taught his players a valuable lesson.

Zola reckons the 2-1 defeat to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, which sent the Lilywhites top after three games, only highlighted the fact that cutting out errors was the key to success at this level.

He said: "We have shown that we can match anyone, but we must cut out the mistakes. We will learn from it (Spurs game), trust me."

And the Italian said the Hammers had the potential to go far - with a bit of help from the board.

"Potentially this club can do very well. If we just had a bit more (funding), we could be challenging for the top positions. I hope the people running this club realise that."

Not that his curent squad are doing too bad. Sunday's performance at Upton Park was encouraging and West Ham go into Tuesday's Carling Cup clash against Millwall still in good heart.

If leaders Spurs are the yardstick at this early stage, the Hammers can be pleased with the way in which they matched their visitors in a cracking London derby.

Mistakes from Carlton Cole and Jonathan Spector ultimately cost them.

But Zola preferred to dwell on the positive things to have come out of the game, particularly the all-round performance of Cole.

The striker put West Ham in front with a stunning half-volley just after half-time, but, within a couple of minutes, sent a stray back pass in the direction of keeper Robert Green, gifting ex-Hammer Jermain Defoe the equaliser. Aaron Lennon then wrapped it up ten minutes from time after a slip by Spector.

Of Cole, Zola insisted he would learn from the experience and bounce back as strong as ever.

"He lost his concentration for a second and that was very costly, but that doesn't change the story for me. He played a great game and, when he plays like that, he plays such an important role for us.

"He will have to learn that if he wants to be playing for the national team on a regular basis, he has to avoid these blackouts. He's an intelligent, determined and ambitious boy and he will learn."

Zola described Cole's goal as 'unbelievable' and he will be hoping his star striker can repeat the feat at Blackburn in the Premier League this Saturday.

West Ham sit in mid-table after their two opening games, with one victory and one defeat.