Carlton Cole hails Sam Allardyce

West Ham United forward Carlton Cole has heaped praise upon manager Sam Allardyce following his side's 3-1 win over Chelsea.

Cole scored his first Premier League goal since February 2011 as the Hammers came from behind to beat the Blues at Upton Park.

"We have to put in down to the gaffer's tactics," said Cole. "We were a bit defensive in the first half but we changed the tactics and tweaked the formation in the second half a little bit and it worked in our favour.

"I haven't had a good time in the Premier League of late but I knew I had to keep working hard. It's always important to get on the scoresheet but it's important to hold up the ball and bring others in to play as well and I did that today.

"I am really proud of the boys today. The manager and the backroom staff did a brilliant job."

West Ham had not beaten Chelsea in 13 attempts prior to today.