Wasteful West Ham frustrate Pellegrini after 'dominating' Spurs

Manuel Pellegrini says West Ham can't afford to be wasteful in front of goal after losing to Tottenham despite dominating the second half of their London derby on Saturday.

Erik Lamela's first-half goal, headed home after Felipe Anderson allowed Moussa Sissoko to cut in and cross with ease, was the difference in the end at London Stadium, but it was no easy ride for Spurs.

Hugo Lloris thrice denied Marko Arnautovic his fifth goal of the season, while Javier Hernandez saw a second half goal ruled out.

Pellegrini, while encouraged by the performance, knows things must improve in the final third.

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"I think that we played a very good game," Pellegrini said.

"The first 45 minutes were more equal but we are playing against Tottenham, maybe one of the best teams in the Premier League.

"They created one chance and they scored. We had a couple and didn't. In the second 45 minutes there was just one team in the game, us.

"We dominated, had the possession, created chances, played most of the game in their third but in this game you must score. If you don't then it is difficult to win."

Pellegrini, though, feels his team are still progressing.

He added: "If you want to talk about the result, I a not happy with them but I am happy with how we are improving. These last two defeats, maybe both of them we didn't deserve to lose, draw at least."