Vlad Coufal has laid into the Hammers, insisting that the defeat to Southampton just wasn’t acceptable!

The Irons were beaten 3-2 on Boxing Day to lose further ground in the race to qualify for the Champions League.

David Moyes’ side are now seven points behind Arsenal in fourth, with the Gunners beating Norwich 5-0 on Boxing Day.

They are also one point behind Spurs, although they have two games in hand on the Irons, and Coufal was not impressed with the display, as the Irons shipped three goals at home.

Speaking to the club’s official website after the game, he said: “It was a difficult afternoon and difficult to accept. We lost at home and it’s not acceptable to concede three times.

“Twice we were back in the game and it shouldn’t happen [to lose this way], but we have to keep going and be focused on Watford.

“We have had a good season and are still up in the table but we have to take back our basic things – do them properly and we have to be better defensively, as well as being more clinical in attack.

“These are basic things, but sometimes it happens [like this].”

The Hammers are back in action on Tuesday as part of the busy festive schedule, taking on Watford, who are one place above the relegation zone.

And the Czech Republic international insists that the squad will stick together through thick and thin as they look to get back to winning ways.

He added: “We have to keep fighting together. In this period the schedule is like any other Christmas period in the Premier League, but unfortunately this time is more difficult because some teams have a rest, some teams are playing.

“I’m sure there will be a good atmosphere with our fans at Watford and we need to stay together and positive.”