West Ham boss Pellegrini praises players after ‘masterclass’

Manuel Pellegrini felt West Ham were desperately unfortunate to be denied maximum points at Leicester.

Wilfred Ndidi’s late equaliser was cruel on the Hammers and manager Pellegrini was full of praise for his players.

“I think we were very unlucky,” he said after the 1-1 draw.

“We defended so well for the whole game but particularly for the 55 minutes with one player less. At times, it was a masterclass in defending from us.

“When it was 11 against 11 most of the game was in their half and we dominated. We must continue working and we are unlucky with the goals we are conceding. Leicester is always a difficult stadium to win in.”

West Ham played with 10 men for much of the match after captain Mark Noble was sent off in the 38th minute for a late, high sliding challenge on Ndidi.

Pellegrini said: “I haven’t seen the action yet so I can’t give my opinion but I will say what I always say when those things happen, it is the decision of the referee.

“Mark told me he had no bad intentions and he tried to get the ball, but maybe he arrived late.”