West Ham United manager David Moyes admitted that the point his side picked up in their 1-1 draw away to London rivals Chelsea will be crucial in his club’s quest for Premier League survival this season.
Cesar Azpilicueta had put the home side ahead in the first-half, and the Hammers had to ride their luck early in the second half as the Blues put them under immense pressure at times.
However, Moyes side hung in there through a combination of poor Chelsea finishing and some superb saves by England ‘keeper Joe Hart, until the 73rd when substitute Javier Hernandez calmly slotted home a Marko Arnautovic cut back from 12 yards out.
After the game the West Ham manager admitted that this was a crucial point and lauded the performance of his often criticised ‘keeper.
“It certainly is a prized point for us, we were playing against a team who are quality, and have some terrific attacking players who played well.” Moyes told BBC.
“The key was that we were never out of it, because the way they go the first goal was diabolical. Chelsea can get a goal in other ways but from a corner was really bad from our point of view.
“In the Premier League you never know, they were playing well so it could have got away from us, but we defended well and Joe Hart made a couple of outstanding saves.”
West Ham remain in 14th position in the table after today’s result. However, they are now six points clear off the drop zone and will play four of their last six fixtures at home.
Moyes men will face a struggling Stoke City in their next fixture at the London Stadium and will be aware that a victory will all but guarantee their Premier League survival, which is exactly the target the former Manchester United manager was set when he took over back in November.
