Zola admits West Ham youngster Tomkins struggled in Bolton defeat

West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola admitted defender James Tomkins struggled to live with Bolton Wanderers' strikers after yesterday's defeat.

Kevin Davies put Bolton ahead with a powerful header after nine minutes and was magnificent all afternoon, with West Ham unable to cope with his physical presence up front.

Jack Wilshere became the youngest player to score in the Barclays Premier League this season when he bagged the second after Davies had robbed James Tomkins of possession.

Zola said: "I'm disappointed. I wasn't expecting that. Nobody was. The way we started the game determined the result.

"They were better than us and took advantage of their opportunities. That was the killer really. It's our fault.

"It wasn't James' (Tomkins) best game. But when Johan (Elmander) and Kevin are playing like that it's not easy. James has potential. He needs to work on his game.

"We had opportunities but by then it was too late. We lost points today and I told the players we have to go and get them back somewhere else."