‘Disappointing’: David Moyes reacts to Craig Dawson’s moment of madness at Chelsea

West Ham manager David Moyes says defender Craig Dawson should have known better after his sending off essentially gave Chelsea the win in their Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge.

The often-reliable defender lost a battle with Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku and then reacted by bringing the Chelsea man down, and even though Jorginho missed the resulting penalty, the numerical advantage eventually told.

Substitute Christian Pulisic connected well with a Marcos Alonso sweeping cross to give the European Champions all three points on the day and break the Hammers’ resolve.

Chelsea had lost their last two home games before this one and looked very flat against a David Moyes team with six changes to the line-up and an eye on Thursday night.

The Scottish manager would have been proud of the first 70 minutes with his side keeping the European champions in check with a largely changed side.

But the sending off and late goal will hurt and all reaction will now be required in the UEFA Europa League against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Reacting to the defeat that has left his side in seventh in the league table, and almost certain to finish out of the top four, the Hammers boss said his experienced defender should have known better and not give the referee a decision make.

The Irons boss said: “It was tough and for what we had done today and for most of the game we made it uncomfortable for them.

“I think Dawson should have have gotten the ball and I don’t think he should have given the referee a decision to make.

“I think he should just have gotten the ball away with his left, because if you’re going to wrestle with players you’re always giving the referee a decision to make.

“He played very well and that is why I’m disappointed that he didn’t just get it away. Really disappointing.”

The Hammers will hope that they are not bruised from the league defeat as they could still qualify to the Champions League if they can win the Europa League.