Bilic hails ten-acious Hammers

FIGHT, passion, hunger, attitude – West Ham boss Slaven Bilic was in raptures over the qualities shown by his players after this victory with 10 men.

Bilic was more eager to talk about how his team dug deep for him rather than the change of system that meant they defended with three at the back instead of four.

“This is the cruellest league in the world. If you lose a lot of matches, you are dead,” said Bilic, whose side had made their worst start to a season since 1988.

Having seen his men take Selhurst Park by storm, the manager added: “It was all about focus, attitude, resilience and fighting back. We all know how we have felt over the last few weeks. Now we have the chance to build on what we have achieved.”

West Ham rolled up their sleeves, especially after losing Aaron Cresswell to a secondhalf red card. “The atmosphere helped us, the noise, the rain and the supporters with their flags,” said Bilic.

“My team showed how much they hated what had gone on in the season so far, and a bottom-three place in the table. They showed they cared for each other.

“It was this attitude more than changing the system that pleased me so much. Hopefully it can be a springboard for the rest of the season.”

Cresswell, just back from injury, made the 19th-minute goal for Manuel Lanzini, and showed how badly he has been missed by the Hammers.

Palace never raised their game to match the passion of their support and manager Alan Pardew said: “I expected more from us. It was a derby and we missed the boat in the first 20 minutes.”

After that, Palace were outplayed and their misery was compounded when Christian Benteke shot wide from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time.

Pardew added: “The twoweek international break affected us and then their pace caught us out. At half-time I had a go at them and we were better.”

CRYSTAL PALACE (4-2-3-1): NEXT UP: WEST HAM (3-4-2-1):

Booked: Sent off: NEXT UP: Referee: Booked: