Sam Allardyce was left sickened after West Ham's defeat to Burnley, whose boss Eddie Howe hailed the 2-1 win as his best result.
Hammers boss disappointed after loss, Howe hails best result
Sam Allardyce was left sickened as West Ham missed a hatful of chances in the 2-1 defeat to Burnley, whose boss Eddie Howe hailed it as his best result.
Kevin Nolan broke the deadlock for the hosts on 52 minutes but Chris McCann equalised before Sam Vokes bagged the winner.
The Hammers then spurned a number of chances as they failed to capitalise on Southampton's defeat at Doncaster to go top.
Allardyce said: "It wasn't complacency. We should have defended better than we did, but we were undone from two crosses into our box.
"It's hard to criticise, though, after a performance like that. If we weren't dominating the opposition it would be different, but that wasn't the case as we were in control.
"It was just one of those days. We've worked so hard to get in front and then that happens. If you look at it we hit the woodwork a few times and squandered a few chances.
"The sickening thing for us is a team that frustrated us look like they got what they wanted.
"But one throw-in and a corner cost us. It just wasn't our day, apart from an outstanding goal from Kevin Nolan which was our hardest chance we had, nothing fell for us.
"It's disappointing as set-pieces are a massive part of the game and something we work on. But sometimes balls in the box drop on the opposition heads.
"They were two very good headers, but the big disappointment was losing at home again, and the way we did."
Howe delighted
Burnley manager Howe hailed the result as the best of his tenure and was quick to praise match-winner Vokes, who was personally affected by the death of Gary Speed.
The on-loan Wolves striker is a Wales international and recently scored twice under Speed against Norway.
"We defended magnificently," Howe said.
"But we kept the crowd quiet in the first half and knew if we needed a goal we had the players to change the game.
"It's the best result we've had since I've been here, even if not the best performance as we can play better than that But it was about spirit and character.
"David Edgar and Michael Duff were magnificent and the full-backs the same. The defenders have taken a lot of criticism, and sometimes for good reason, but they were terrific here. We defended set pieces did the nasty things you need to do.
"Sam (Vokes) was initially very upset when he found out about Gary Speed and found it difficult like the whole world of football. But he had a relationship with Gary. He is finding his confidence again, which is massive for any striker.
"He broke through early at Bournemouth and has made a dramatic rise by joining Wolves, but he didn't get the football he needed. We are giving him a platform. He has made a difference to us."
