The Hammers' 1-0 victory over Wigan last night was their second win in three days and strengthened their hold on seventh place in the Barclays Premier League.

Zola's side trail Everton, one spot above them, by six points. But their current position could still be enough to get them into next season's inaugural Europa League if the outcome of the FA Cup final goes their way.

After enduring a difficult spell midway through his Premier League managerial debut season, having taken over from Alan Curbishley in September, Zola has lifted the club back up the table.

With a four-point cushion over eighth-placed Manchester City, he wants to keep them there.

"It was an important win against Wigan and well deserved," said the Italian, who took great delight in a swift passing move involving four players which cut Wigan open - allowing Carlton Cole to score in the first half.

"I'm pleased and it is more than taking the three points. To see the team playing the way they did makes me very proud.

"The creation and build-up for the goal was magnificent. One, two-touch football, pass and move, and a great finish - it was very good, and I was very impressed."

On the prospect of attaining European football, he added: "We are there, why not? We are ambitious.

"We know it is not an easy achievement. But the players are enthusiastic; they are enjoying what they are doing and are getting better and better.

"We are not there to vegetate. We want to improve day by day and we want to go for that."

West Ham lost Cole to a red card for a controversial second bookable offence last night, while midfielder Jack Collison was carried off on a stretcher after landing awkwardly and injuring his knee.

Zola accepted the dismissal of Cole - which was followed by the sending-off of Wigan's Lee Cattermole after the break - changed the atmosphere on the pitch as challenges began to fly in.

He denied it was a dirty game, but defender Matthew Upson said some of the players were unhappy with the treatment they received.

"It was an important match for both of us, and we both gave everything," said Zola.

"Until the sending-off both teams were trying to play, and it was a magnificent game of football. It then got a bit 'spicy'.

"But there was not so many bad tackles. There was one with Lucas Neill [on Cattermole just before he was dismissed for a lunge at Scott Parker] but apart from that it was not a nasty game."

However, Upson told the Evening Standard: "The lads were a little bit incensed with a couple of the tackles that went in and studs were raised.

"For Cattermole's tackle, he went in aggressively. He cleaned Scott out but didn't touch the ball, so the referee didn't have much of an option."

West Ham do not now play until a week on Monday at home to bottom side West Brom, and Zola is glad of the break.

"I think we need this time to recover. We know we have had players stretchered off, but the other players have been playing a lot of games," he said.

"This time is very much welcomed, and I'm sure we can start again and keep the momentum when we come back."

He is also optimistic about Collison's injury, adding: "It looked very serious at the beginning. He twisted his knee and may have stretched his medial ligament. But it shouldn't be too bad, touch wood."

The defeat was Wigan's first at the JJB Stadium for four months, but manager Steve Bruce admits the lack of goals is costing them.

"It is a problem. We need to go on a run again," he said.

"We have lost at home and we've had a terrific season and we must ensure, with 10 games to go, we bounce back again."