We Were the Better Side

Alan Curbishley believes West Ham were the better side yesterday and were only let down by our defending.

"We're obviously disappointed because we thought that we could have got something and should have got something from the game. To be honest, I felt that the scoreline was a bit harsh on us in terms of the overall match but our defending obviously cost us dearly.

Once Dean Ashton equalised, I thought we were the better side but three or four minutes before half-time - just when we were looking to get back into the dressing room to sort one or two other things out - we gave away a poor second goal.

We've been beaten 3-1 yet I can't remember Robert Green having to make a decent save for us.

Deano still needs more football but when you compare his performances against Newcastle and Middlesbrough to his first start of the season at Reading three weeks ago, then you can see the difference in his fitness levels."