West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce has said that missed chances cost his side vital points as they lost 3-1 at home to Newcastle United in the Premier League this afternoon.

Newcastle eased to a comfortable win thanks to a brace from Yohan Cabaye and a solitary goal from Loic Remy, which ruled out Mike Williamson's own goal in the first half.

"Irrespective of how desperate it gets, we have to make sure Andy Carroll stays fit for the rest of the season [instead of playing him for longer each match]," said Allardyce, according to BBC Sport.

"We had a bit of fight and passion and had to give the fans a bit of excitement.

"I was praying it'd be like 'a Sunderland'. Their fans were disgruntled earlier, but got a 2-2 draw. We could have done the same, but failed to convert the chances."

The defeat sees West Ham sitting in 18th position in the Premier League table.