The Gunners went in at half-time 2-0 up through Robin van Persie and William Gallas, but the Hammers hit back thanks to a Carlton Cole header and an Alessandro Diamanti penalty. Scott Parker was sent off late on after picking up a second booking.

It has been a difficult start of the season for West Ham, who still linger in the relegation zone but Zola hopes this match will prove a springboard to better things in the coming weeks.

"The spirit shown by the team was the best thing about today's game, along with the participation and the support the crowd gave us," he said. "They were the best things that I have seen today. It's not a victory, but it sounds like it.

"That's what I was looking for because, no matter what, the fighting spirit must be there all the time. It is something that we can't really do without, so I was pleased with that.

"Last week I saw something changing and that is very important. Today, I have seen something more and it's very encouraging for me, to be honest.

"Trust me, it was very difficult in that situation. They did it really until the end and I am very pleased and proud of them."

Arsene Wenger rued Arsenal's inability to kill the match off at 2-0 up, suggesting his players became too intricate in their attacking play instead of going for the kill.

"We complicated the game a little bit," he said. "We had five or six chances in the second half where we missed the final ball. That's where we must learn.

"It is very frustrating. West Ham fought until the final second and I never had the feeling that the game was won, even if we were completely in control because I saw the attitude of West Ham, they were not giving up. You know that if you make a mistake you will be under pressure."