'It was all about the team'

Cole brought the Reds level at 2-2 after being introduced as a substitute in the first half, before emergency striker Shelvey helped force a winner via James Collins at Upton Park.

Post-match, the pair reflected on the remarkable result - which lifted the Reds into the top half of the Barclays Premier League - and enthused about the squad being built by Brendan Rodgers.

"It was very important for us. West Ham were three points above us, and we needed to keep doing the right things we've been doing," said Cole, a former Hammer.

"It was a great win - it's always nice to come back to your old club. I've scored a few against West Ham but never celebrated - the most important thing was getting the win.

"It's a great group of young players here and we've got the right manager for them - they have done really well."

Shelvey joked that he plans to claim the winning goal, which appeared to strike Collins and loop over Jussi Jaaskelainen to hand the travellers all three points and their first back-to-back league victories of the season.

"I'm going to claim it!" said the 20-year-old. "The main thing was that we got the three points and we've got a few home games coming up now. We want to kick on.

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"I played up front against Young Boys so I'm not a stranger to that role. It's not about me, it's about the team - and the team were outstanding today.

"The new manager has installed a different way of playing at the club - it's very exciting to be involved in it. The longer the season goes on, the stronger we'll become."

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Cole also reserved words of praise and wisdom for Raheem Sterling, who again played his part in the win one day after celebrating his 18th birthday.

"I think he's fantastic. He's played about 25 games and he's only 18," said the No.10.

"He's got everything and he's at the right club to progress and become a top player - he has already made his debut for Engand."