Thursday 5 March 2015 09:34, UK
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce insists Eden Hazard’s first-half goal should not have stood after Chelsea claimed victory at Upton Park.
The league leaders were severely tested in east London and needed an inspired Thibaut Courtois, as well as Hazard's header, to maintain their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
However, Allardyce contested the goal, claiming Chelsea were fortunate to take the lead..
"I've looked at the goal and it was offside, “ Allardyce told Sky Sports.
"Kevin Nolan was offside at Old Trafford (in September) when we scored for 2-2. There was half an inch of his nose offside and they said that was offside.
"There was about six inches of his (Hazard's) body offside this time and they said it's onside. That’s disappointing."
Allardyce also bemoaned his side’s poor finishing as Diafro Sakho missed a host of chances to earn his side a point.
But despite fluffing their lines in front of goal, Allardyce was full of praise for his players' efforts against Jose Mourinho’s men.
“It was a terrific performance by the players,” Allardyce added.
“They played a team that’s got so much quality and did exceptionally well. They really deserved something out the game.
“Unfortunately for us all that effort and desire and all that quality we showed today by taking the game to Chelsea was thwarted by some poor finishing and some great saves from the goalkeeper.”
West Ham now have 10 days until their next Premier League engagement – a trip to Arsenal – and Allardyce insists the pressure is on for his side to get a positive result after slipping down to 10th in the standings.
“We need a result,” the Hammers boss said. “We should have beaten Manchester United, we should have beat Tottenham, we could have got a point tonight and when we go to Arsenal there’s a huge amount of pressure on us.
“People will look at the points total and think we are not playing well. We’re playing as well now as we’ve done all season but what we’re not doing is converting good performances into victories.
“We’ve got to keep these performances up and we will start winning if we keep playing like that.”
