- Slaven Bilic admitted his side made a costly error to hand Chelsea the opener in the Blues’ 2-1 win at London Stadium
- Antonio Conte’s side were looking for revenge after defeat in the EFL Cup to West Ham United earlier this season
- Eden Hazard and Diego Costa goals saw the west Londoners through despite Manuel Lanzini’s late strike
West Ham United’s mistakes proved extremely costly according to manager Slaven Bilic, after he saw his side beaten 2-1 by Premier League leaders Chelsea at London Stadium on Monday night.
Goals from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa – two of the top flight’s most deadly talents – saw Antonio Conte’s side claim their eighth win in ten matches as they held on despite Manuel Lanzini’s injury time strike.
And Hammers boss Bilic lamented his side’s errors as they gave possession away to set Chelsea on their way in the first half.
He said: “To make such a mistake that led to their first goal when we had our centre-backs in their box – we should have put the ball back in the box – but we didn’t and they scored the counter-attack.
“Their second goal was also a cheap one from our side. So basically, it’s very simple. If you want to beat Chelsea, then you can’t make those kind of mistakes. You have very little chance if you do.
“The first was a set piece for us and we had enough players back. We had a chance to put in the second ball in a good position but we didn’t, Mark wanted to play with the best intentions, but you expect your players to run back with more reason in this situation.
“Chelsea players are all in and around the box as well but they got the ball in space where we can’t afford to give it, especially against them because their pace in the transition is scary.”
If you want to beat Chelsea, then you can’t make those kind of mistakes. You have very little chance if you do.
Slaven Bilic
“They have everything,” the Croatian continued. “They are really good. From all the top teams, they are very solid and they defend all the time with numbers.
“They defend with five at the back and with two midfielders and everyone apart from Costa, and when they have the ball, their pace and quality and individual stuff is great.
“Some of the combinations they make are amazing and they have the quality and are solid as a unit. They’re a very fit which makes it difficult also.
“We knew Chelsea are where they are for a reason.”
There were certainly positives to take from the game, however, and Bilic remained pleased with the first half display despite the crucial mistake that led to the opener.
“We played well in the first half – we started really, really well. We were on top. We created a lot of problems on our left, put some crosses in with Snodgrass but we didn’t have enough bodies in the box apart from Andy. It looked really good.
“Then we made that cheap mistake in a place that against them you can’t.
“We have a game against Bournemouth now and it’s a very big game for us. We have to prepare ourselves and try to get back to winning.”