Crystal Palace 1
West Ham 3
by Tashan
Deniran-Alleyne
at Selhurst Park

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says he is pleased to have Andy Carroll at his disposal after the striker made a telling contribution in the 3-1 victory over London rivals Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon.

The 26-year-old, who is yet to start a Premier League game this season, was introduced as a second half substitute against the Eagles and it was his cushioned header at the back post which eventually allowed Manuel Lanzini to restore the visitors’ lead two minutes from time.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Bilic heaped praise on the England international following his recent injury nightmare.

“For the last six to eight weeks, he has been working extremely hard and is in shape which is really good,” the Hammers boss explained.

“He’s got something that is very hard to cope with, he’s skilful, has good vision and is a great player. His biggest problem was fitness and injuries and we are so lucky and happy that he is back.”

Carl Jenkinson broke the deadlock mid-way through the first half. However, he turned villain moments later as he fouled Dwight Gayle in the area and Yohan Cabaye equalised with a twice-taken penalty for his fourth goal of the campaign.

The hosts were dealt a huge blow on the stroke of half-time as Gayle was sent-off for two bookable offences and the Hammers took full advantage to score twice in the dying stages of the game through Lanzini and Dimitri Payet.

Defeat in the derby ended a run of three straight victories for the Eagles and manager Alan Pardew stressed his disappointment with referee Mark Clattenburg for reducing his side to 10 men.

“It was a performance where he was in the limelight a little bit. The second yellow I think in hindsight he might have made a different decision,” Pardew said afterwards.