Allardyce wants one more win

08 April 2013 06:47

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes his side still require another win to secure top-flight safety following their 0-0 draw at Liverpool.

The Hammers were denied a first Anfield triumph in 50 years when Lucas turned James Tomkins' goalbound header off the line five minutes from time, but Allardyce's team are still edging themselves away from trouble and, unlike Stoke and Norwich, seem to have played themselves into a little bit of form.

"I'd like another three points," said Allardyce. "It depends on the run of the teams below us because some are picking up two or three wins back-to-back. But we are looking up, not down."

Tomkins and fellow centre-half James Collins were outstanding, restricting Liverpool to few clear-cut chances, even if one of them was ruled out for offside, only for TV replays to suggest Daniel Sturridge's second-half effort should have stood.

"To have won would have been a massive bonus for us as it is 50 years since we last did it," said Allardyce.

"But it is still a very big point, and very well deserved. I don't think we have defended better away from home all season. Collins and Tomkins were really good when you consider how few chances Liverpool had."

Unsurprisingly, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers did not share his opposite number's assessment of the contest, claiming the hosts had been "outstanding".

"We were outstanding in terms of our game and very frustrated we didn't get the three points," he said.

"We kept pushing from the first minute but West Ham defended very well. In that situation, you have either got to score early or you need that wee bit of luck.

"Unfortunately when we did score it was deemed offside but when you see it again Sturridge was clearly onside."

Source: PA