Sam Allardyce has defended his West Ham United side for their defensive display in the goalless draw with Chelsea on Wednesday night.

The Hammers boss suggested that his team's approach may have frustrated Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho but insists that he could not afford to play an open game at Stamford Bridge.

"If we deal with Oscar, Willian and Eden Hazard then you've got a great chance," Allardyce told reporters. "Our keeper didn't have many efforts to save in the 90 minutes.

"There was intimidation from the Chelsea players - they were crowding around the referee. The referee did well - he stood firm under that intimidation.

"Jose is going to say 'how you play like this?' We're in a relegation battle, we can't play like Man United and get beat 3-0."

West Ham are currently 18th in the Premier League.