Crystal Palace caretaker manager Keith Millen has said that his side helped West Ham United to their 3-1 victory at Selhurst Park this afternoon with a "lacklustre" first-half performance.
The Eagles conceded two goals in the space of five first-half minutes and although Marouane Chamakh grabbed a goal back shortly after the break, Carlton Cole pounced on some sloppy defending to ensure that the visitors took all three points.
"Our first-half performance was lacklustre," Millen told the club's official website. "We weren't at the races and that's not like us, but maybe there are reasons – it's been a tough week for everyone.
"I don't like to use excuses as the man in charge, but you could say that the players have got reasons to be a little bit down.
"We're disappointed with the manner of the first half performance. I was pleased with the way they responded, but then we killed ourselves with the third goal.
"West Ham were clinical with their chances, but I think we helped them along the way."
The result means that Palace have picked up no points from their first two games and currently sit at the foot of the table alongside Burnley.
Kristian Johnson
