Benitez: To win, it’s simple - score

Interim Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has said that his side needs to take its chances if they are to get their first win under the Spaniard.

Benitez is clear what he needs after two draws and a defeat.

“To win, it’s simple,” he said. “In the first half we just had to score more goals. We have to improve.

“We know that football has two halves, the game has two halves. In the first half we had two or three chances – we just need to score more goals.”

Benitez defended striker Fernando Torres who once again drew a blank in front of goal.

“I thought the team had chances, not just Fernando,” he said. “When you are attacking and you are controlling the game like we did in the first half, you have to score goals.”

West Ham striker Carlton Cole credited manager Sam Allardyce for the 3-1 win over Chelsea.

The Hammers trailed to Juan Mata’s opener at half-time but Allardyce brought on Mohamed Diame and his introduction changed the game.

Cole, Diame and Modibo Maiga scored the goals which left Benitez still searching for a win after three games in charge.

Cole told Sky Sports 2: “I’ve got to put it down to the gaffer’s tactics, we were a bit defensive in the first half.

“We switched it around and put on some attacking players. Momo came on and did brilliantly and changed the game for us.”

Cole started in place of the injured Andy Carroll and was pleased with his goal.

“I haven’t had a good time in the Prem of late. I just knew if I kept working hard and training hard the goal would come.”

Diame admitted that Allardyce had been right to rest him from the starting line-up.

“I played the two games against Tottenham and Man Utd I think I needed the rest,” he said.

“After this game we are going to get confidence and keep going. I think we did well today. It is a great result for us.”

Allardyce was pleased his decision to bring on Diame at half-time paid off.

He said: “We started okay but when they scored we just lost our confidence. I think we lost our momentum.

“I just needed to make some changes, bring in some fresh legs. It was all about playing in the opposition’s half, playing off Carlton Cole. I felt he was itching for a real good game.

“They can really enjoy their week now, have a bit of a rest the next few days and then come back ready for the Liverpool.”