West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce has admitted that poor finishing cost his side during Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Everton.

The Hammers slipped down to sixth place in the Premier League table at the weekend with a narrow loss to the Toffees at Goodison Park.

West Ham created plenty of chances during the game, but Allardyce concedes that a lack of a clinical edge in front of goal ultimately played a big part in the result.

"We had some fantastic opportunities but we were simply not clinical enough," he told the club's official website. "The bottom line is we get a goal and that upset Everton, who had only won once at home this season and they looked a little shaky.

"It's then you take full advantage, show your killer instinct and how ruthless you really are and unfortunately we couldn't show that on Saturday."

West Ham are back in action on Saturday when they welcome in-form Newcastle United to Upton Park in the league.