WEST HAM boss Gianfranco Zola has demanded an immediate reaction from his players after the team's meek capitulation at the hands of Liverpool at Anfield last night.

The Hammers were comfortably seen off by Rafa Benitez's side, with the Reds' manager describing the game as 'easy'.

Poor marking led to Liverpool's opening two goals before the half hour was up, Yossi Benayoun finding himself alone in the box to divert Steven Gerrard's cross in with his chest, before David Ngog thumped a shot past Robert Green following good work from Maxi Rodriguez.

An unfortunate own goal from Green on the hour added further gloss to the win, Sotiros Krygiakos' effort rebounding off the post and onto the keeper's leg, with the ball trickling back over the goal-line.

Zola blasted his team's costly mistakes' after the match and ordered the players to respond when Wigan Athletic are the visitors to Upton Park this Saturday.

“I've told the players we cannot afford to do that again,” said the Italian. “We made costly mistakes and didn't play very well and now we need to react straight away because Saturday is very, very important for us.

“When I walked into the changing room after the match I didn't even need to say anything because they said 'we;re sorry we made mistakes'. We didn't play the way I know we can play and that is frustrating. Sometimes it's not your day – now I'm looking for a reaction.

“We all know how important the Wigan game is. We will be ready. We have four days to prepare and we will be doing it in the best way possible. None of us are pleased about this performance. We can only react, play better and win the game on Saturday.”

West Ham remain just three points above Hull City, who occupy the final relegation place. However, the team will be boosted by the return of star player Scott Parker at the weekend, after he completed his two-game ban.