The former Chelsea midfielder officially took up his duties on Monday, following the departure of former boss Alan Curbishley because of a row over player transfers.

Perhaps somewhat ironically it was Italian David di Michele - one of the men brought in, on loan from Torino, who scored twice on his home debut.

Matthew Etherington made it 3-0 before England striker Michael Owen pulled one back for the visitors, who are in desperate need of direction without a manager and under an owner looking to get out as quickly as possible.

For the Hammers, though, Zola believes the outlook is positive.

"I have been nervous - every single moment of the week, to be honest, but that is normal because this is the beginning of a new adventure for me," he said.

"In the beginning you don't know how the players will react to what you are telling them, But to be honest, they made me feel very comfortable since I arrived here.

"The reception was fantastic. The fans were shouting my name but I couldn't hear a thing - my mind was completely crossed!

"The fans were very supportive and they have made me feel very welcome here since I arrived. Hopefully we will get better and better for them."

Zola added: "It was okay, as a performance. I have to say that for 70 minutes we were very good, but then we had to concede something because we were playing a very offensive game, we had run a lot.

"But I am very pleased with the victory and some good football as well. We are on the way and I am very proud of the players - they have been fantastic."

Di Michele missed a chance for his hat-trick and then should have been teed-up by substitute Luis Boa Morte when clean through in stoppage time.

Zola was, though, delighted with the performance of the Italian striker on his home debut - and also praised partner Carlton Cole.

"David could have had a hat-trick and he played very well. He should share the credit with the other strikers, though," said the Hammers boss.

"Cole was occasionally up against two defenders today and he was unbelievable.

"He started playing with me when I was at Chelsea and I feel he can become much better.

"There are things he can improve on, but he has all the qualities to play for the national team."

West Ham are now up into fourth, however, Zola noted: "We know that it will be a very tough season.

"The top four are really top teams, but it's important that we improve on what we achieved last season.

"If the players continue working as they have been, they can achieve that."

Newcastle, meanwhile, have slumped to second from bottom after the departure of Kevin Keegan and could prop up rest of table should Tottenham win on Sunday.

Caretaker boss Chris Hughton, though, insisted despite all of the off-field troubles, it has to be business as usual in terms of player preparation.

"It's been the case since day one - I'm not just saying that now. Until that happens, we just need to do our best and try and get results," he said.

"The first goal summed up our luck at the moment, with the deflection off Steven Taylor, and that's what happens when you don't get the rub of the green.

"With every defeat, you try and seek positives and the reaction to going one down was good - but what you have to do, when you are on top, is score.

"We also came out strongly at the start of the second half, but once the third went in it was difficult."

Hughton insisted: "It hasn't been difficult. We have a typical training ground environment, where the lads get on well and prepare well for games.

"Getting them right for games hasn't been a problem and once that's the case, you want to get results. That's the disappointment.

"It would be easy for me to say that all the off-field stuff has affected the players but you just don't know.

"Some of the guys have been in similar or worse situations before with other clubs.

"All I can do is prepare the team as best I can and picking up the players for a big game on Wednesday against Spurs in the Carling Cup."