Hammers leave Benitez feeling blue

01 December 2012 15:17

Rafael Benitez's Chelsea nightmare continued as West Ham hit back to inflict his first defeat in charge and extend his winless start as interim manager.

Already the first boss of the Roman Abramovich era not to oversee a victory in his opening two games, it got worse for Benitez at Upton Park on Saturday afternoon as the Blues made it seven Barclays Premier League games without maximum points as the hosts ran out 3-1 winners.

Juan Mata appeared to ease the pressure on the former Liverpool boss by ending the European champions' five-hour, 34-minute goal drought after 13 minutes. But the visitors squandered several chances and were deservedly made to pay through a controversial Carlton Cole equaliser and goals from substitutes Mohamed Diame and Modibo Maiga.

Source: PA