Aaron Cresswell and Dimitri Payet spoke of their frustration after Saturday's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace
Aaron Cresswell and Dimitri Payet were left to reflect on a frustrating afternoon for West Ham United after Dwight Gayle’s second half equaliser cost them the chance to claim maximum points against Crystal Palace.
The Hammers seemed on course for another vital victory in their push for Europe when Manuel Lanzini and Payet notched to overturn Damien Delaney’s 15th minute header.
But Cheikhou Kouyate’s dismissal three-quarters of the way through the contest opened the door again for Palace, with Gayle’s leveller ensuring the points would be shared.
The Hammers have now not lost in 13 home league games, but for left-back Cresswell, the outcome could have been better.
He said: “It’s frustrating [to drop points] because in the first half I thought we were excellent and fully deserved to lead.
“In the second half the sending off changed the game and I think if that doesn’t happen we win the game comfortably.
“Over the last four league games we’ve picked up three wins and a draw and it would have been nice to carry that form on.
“Unfortunately for us it wasn’t to be and we’re a bit disappointed that we haven’t taken all three points.”
For man of the moment Payet, his fantastic free-kick was his third goal in dead ball situations from his last four games and he just wants that rich vein of form to continue.
He explained: “I’m very confident on free-kicks and it’s good for me and good for the team [that another has gone in against Palace].
“It was difficult for us today, because Crystal Palace is a good team and we’ve got one point.”
The Hammers seemed on course for another vital victory in their push for Europe when Manuel Lanzini and Payet notched to overturn Damien Delaney’s 15th minute header.
But Cheikhou Kouyate’s dismissal three-quarters of the way through the contest opened the door again for Palace, with Gayle’s leveller ensuring the points would be shared.
The Hammers have now not lost in 13 home league games, but for left-back Cresswell, the outcome could have been better.
He said: “It’s frustrating [to drop points] because in the first half I thought we were excellent and fully deserved to lead.
“In the second half the sending off changed the game and I think if that doesn’t happen we win the game comfortably.
“Over the last four league games we’ve picked up three wins and a draw and it would have been nice to carry that form on.
“Unfortunately for us it wasn’t to be and we’re a bit disappointed that we haven’t taken all three points.”
For man of the moment Payet, his fantastic free-kick was his third goal in dead ball situations from his last four games and he just wants that rich vein of form to continue.
He explained: “I’m very confident on free-kicks and it’s good for me and good for the team [that another has gone in against Palace].
“It was difficult for us today, because Crystal Palace is a good team and we’ve got one point.”