Frustrated Moyes takes heart despite Hammers' loss, but relegation still a threat

Hammers boss David Moyes felt his side deserved something from Wednesday night’s home game against Burnley and took consolation from the chances they created.

West Ham were thwarted by some inspired goalkeeping from Nick Pope and some wasteful finishing as the Clarets made off with a 1-0 win thanks to a Jay Rodriguez header in the first half.

Defeat leaves Moyes’ side still look anxiously over its shoulder and there may yet be some tense encounters against three others around them near the bottom of the table.

A visit to a doomed Norwich on Saturday is followed by home games against Watford and Aston Villa, on the final day, with a visit to Man United squeezed in between.

"Frustration is probably the word I would use more than anything, the missed opportunities,” Moyes said.” I am disappointed that we didn't take something from the game because I feel we warranted something.

"I thought today was a must-win, I thought Newcastle was too [the weekend draw], Chelsea [last week’s 3-2 win] we had to do the best we can and we did. We have been in that situation for a while. In fact, probably since I took over."

“We made lots and lots of opportunities but I have to give credit to Burnley for the way they defended. The number of times they blocked it, got in the way or their goalkeeper made a save...they did a really good job.”

The Hammers, on 31 points, may still need two wins from their final games to beat the drop but Moyes admits there is no way of telling what is likely to be required.

“We never know...[maybe] somebody goes on a run,” he said. “All we can do is try and do our work. The players gave an awful lot today for no reward, but hopefully they’ll get themselves rewarded in the coming games.”

The loss to Burnley was West Ham's 19th Premier League defeat of the campaign. Only in 2006-07 (21) and 2013-14 (20) have they suffered more defeats in a single season.