West Ham boss David Moyes declared he was “embarrassed to speak on behalf of the team” after the Hammers’ European ambitions were beaten 5-2 at Crystal Palace.
The visitors were already 4-0 down after 31 minutes of kick-off at Selhurst Park due to Michael Oleis’ headed opener and an audacious overhead kick from Iberich Eze, in addition to Jean-Philippe Mattita. The first of two by and Emerson due to an own goal.
Antonio clawed one in before the break and Moyes’ men could take no credit for his or her second, with their late goal credited to Dan Henderson, who turned in Tyreek Mitchell’s backpass a minute from time.
Moyes, who responded bluntly when asked about his job security, was more forthcoming when it got here to his scathing assessment of Irons’ performance, saying: “The first half was so-so. As bad as I’ve seen us play, we’ve had three or four such incidents.
“I do not think any team within the three years I’ve been here has gone that deep in three or 4 games this yr. The first half was unbelievable. We were mainly defending, the best way we began the sport. What, we’re not connected to the best way we played.
“You can’t play this level of football in the Premier League. We didn’t compete. It was hard to explain actually.
“I’m very dissatisfied for the supporters who got here here today and I’m actually embarrassed to sit down here and truly speak on behalf of the team and the best way they performed today but I’m the manager.
“I have to say that I haven’t had many teams that have played like this in my entire career.”
Moyes refused in charge drained legs as an “excuse” for Thursday’s 1-1 Europa League quarter-final second leg draw with Leverkusen, although when pressed for a “reason”. admitted that drastic change may not have helped.
And while he was adamant Sunday’s defeat would have “nothing to do” with how he approaches potential contract talks, he was asked if his team’s performance would take the alternative of the following term out of his hands. If possible, he replied simply: “If it is, it is,” then declined further questions on the topic.
With Sunday’s defeat, the Hammers’ probabilities of a return to Europe next season look unlikely, although the boss said his side will fight on until their fate is sealed.
He said: “We can still have a chance. Just because we lost a couple of games doesn’t mean we don’t still have a chance. We still have a chance. We’ll keep going, keep trying. Will stay.
“We’re only three years into Europe and now it looks as if you are talking about West Ham as an everyday European team which is a big compliment, thanks very much.”
Palace won back-to-back for the first time this season with a 1-0 victory at Liverpool and the third for boss Oliver Glassner since he replaced Roy Hodgson in February.
Glessner pointed to the easing of the injury crisis that has plagued Palace all season as a key factor in their improvement, with Sunday’s victory still a rare chance to see the Eagles when they Might be able to when the influential Eze and Olise are both healthy.
He added: “It’s our first back-to-back win and that’s our challenge: to keep that motivation up, to keep playing the way we want to play on offense and defense.
“Because you mostly must focus, stay in your position, move the ball quickly so he doesn’t take the ball and it at all times starts in your mind in the event you stay focused and focused.”
Credit : www.independent.co.uk