Despite a positive performance from Avram Grant’s men they went down 2-1 with a goal from Nigel de Jong and an own-goal from Lars Jacobsen before Demba Ba brough one back for the Hammers before half-time.
Robbie Keane was again guilty of missing an absolute sitter as a below-strength Hammers side fought gallantly against all the odds.
Speaking following the game, Avram Grant admitted that his side must start to take some points if they are to survive relegation. “There were a lot of positive things to take for the next game against Blackburn and the next game is the most important game.
“We have to take points next weekend - these are now the last games. There is no time to recover after this. We need to build on our performances against good teams.”