West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini has admitted that the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday was a fair result, but confessed he was frustrated that his side dropped too deep in an effort to defend their lead.
The Hammers took the lead at Selhurst Park in the first half when Mark Noble converted a penalty and the visitors looked to record an invaluable three points.
However, Wilfried Zaha equalised with 14 minutes to play, with his effort taking an unlucky deflection off Issa Diop to nestle in the back of the Irons net.
The Hammers were largely the better team in the first half and could have had a greater advantage if they had taken a number of good chances.
But, in the end up the West Ham rearguard could not hold out and the spoils were shared.
Pellegrini praised his side after the game but admitted that the team went into their shell slightly after the hour-mark.
“The first 45 minutes were very similar to the game against Liverpool,” he told the West Ham official website.
“Palace have very dangerous players going forward but they didn’t make too much damage on our defending and we created a lot of chances.
“And in the second half, we didn’t want to do it, but we ended trying to keep the 1-0. It’s an unlucky ball for the goal, but the draw is fair.”
The result leaves West Ham in tenth position and the fans will hope that a positive result next time out against London rivals Fulham can see the side move up the table.
It has been an inconsistent campaign so far for the Hammers fans but a strong end to 2018-19 would be a boost and bode well for a better season next term.