Sam Allardyce admitted his players were disappointed to get jeered off after the draw with Palace, while Dougie Freedman was happy with a point.
West Ham boss reflects on boos after draw; Freedman satisfied
Sam Allardyce admitted West Ham's players were disappointed to get jeered off after the goalless draw with Crystal Palace, while Dougie Freedman was happy with a point.
Sections of the Upton Park crowd voiced their frustration at the end of each half after a lacklustre display from the promotion favourites.
Allardyce felt it was a harsh response considering West Ham's position in the table, but accepted that expectations have increased following such a strong run.
"As a manager you have to take it but one or two of the players in the dressing room were a little disappointed to get booed because we are at the top of the league," revealed the Hammers boss.
"You build up the expectation as we have done recently having done so well, and we didn't deliver today. But the fans have to stay with us and have to be patient, and then we'll all benefit in the end.
"I told the lads we are all disappointed and the fans are showing their disappointment.
"They cheer us when we win and they were not so happy we didn't play well today, but that's the way it goes."
The Hammers at least managed to keep 11 players on the pitch, having had a man sent off in their previous three matches.
Allardyce added: "It was not our best day but the last three games, playing with 10 men, caught up with the lads.
"I might have made a mistake picking the same team, but they had done so well. We livened it up in the second half but didn't hit the heights we know we can.
"We had probably the two best chances with Sam, but we couldn't convert them."
Freedman
Palace have proved frustrating opponents for the Hammers, who were held 2-2 at Selhurst Park in October.
Eagles manager Freedman said: "I'm pleased we could come to a big club like West Ham and force them to change shape and personnel.
"We had our chances, so did they. West Ham will always cause you problems but we stuck to our game plan and I felt a draw was pretty much a fair result.
"In my opinion West Ham will get promoted this season as champions."
