Sam Allardyce believes the race for automatic promotion is back on after West Ham's stunning 6-0 victory over Brighton on Saturday.
Poyet embarrassed by defeat
Sam Allardyce believes the race for automatic promotion is back on after West Ham's stunning 6-0 victory over Brighton on Saturday.
After seven games without a win at home, the Hammers finally put a smile on their fans' faces by blitzing Gus Poyet's play-off hopefuls at Upton Park.
Portuguese winger Ricardo Vaz Te started the rout with a quickfire brace before skipper Kevin Nolan added the third.
Vaz Te completed a sparkling hat-trick in the second half before Henri Lansbury and a Gary Dicker own goal completed the rout.
It means Allardyce's side are now just three points behind second-placed Southampton with three games to play and the West Ham boss is determined to at least ensure the race goes all the way to the final day.
Overdue
"That was overdue and that is the problem," admitted Allardyce.
"We needed three points and to win them in such style was thrilling and gives everyone a little bit more belief we can do what we wanted to do at the start of the season.
"Everything about the game was fantastic from start to finish and they were a well-deserved six goals.
"Now we have to see if we can keep up our magnificent away record at Bristol City on Tuesday.
"We are in the race still, and we have closed on Southampton's goal difference which could be a factor.
"We're still feeling the pressure as we have no margin for error. It's got to be three wins, starting on Tuesday, and then we can rush and see if anyone has slipped up.
"We have to make sure we still have automatic promotion to play for on the last day against Hull."
There was no doubt who the star of the show was at Upton Park with hat-trick hero Vaz Te taking his tally to 10 goals from 10 starts since his bargain £500,000 January switch from Barnsley.
"He was scintillating today and he's been outstanding before that," added Allardyce.
"He scored 14 for Barnsley that's 10 for us now. They were three great goals as well, a great shot, a brave header and the overhead kick was the icing on the cake - as good as Wayne Rooney."
Embarrassing
Brighton manager Gus Poyet was embarrassed by the drubbing but felt it only proved his assertion that his team are not ready for promotion.
The Seagulls were promoted from League One last year and have enjoyed an impressive campaign, flirting with the play-off places for long periods.
But the season has not been without its low points against superior opposition and this defeat had echoes of the 6-1 thrashing against Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup fifth-round back in February.
"We knew how West Ham would start but we didn't deal with it," said Poyet.
"The result is embarrassing. I said a few months ago we were not ready and I think Liverpool and West Ham have proved it.
"I know what I've got to change for next season."
