Slaven Bilic believes Aaron Cresswell was unfortunate to be sent off for two bookable offences during West Ham United’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Manuel Lanzini’s goal was enough for the Hammers to end a five game winless run in the Premier League, but a solid display was soured by Cresswell’s red card.

Cresswell’s dismissal came after referee, Martin Atkinson, judged the left-back to have dived in the penalty area before he fouled Wilfried Zaha moments later.

“If you ask me about those couple of decisions I will never be 100 per cent objective because I am a West Ham manager,” Bilic said.

“I am not blaming anyone because the first yellow card is a penalty for us. Maybe Cabaye didn’t mean it but it was a penalty. The second yellow I do not know but it is simple not a yellow card.

“I am the first one to say that it is very hard for the referees but in my opinion they are not correct decisions.”

With no grounds to appeal Cresswell, who was making his return from injury, will now serve a suspension.

He had made a strong comeback with an assist for the Hammers goal and Bilic bemoaned the fact his side would be without the 26-year-old.

The timing of the incident made for a nervy close to the game which Bilic felt would have been avoided had West Ham been given the spot kick he believed they deserved.

He said: “When the game ends 1-0 you are not totally mad about it, but that put us in a very difficult situation.

“Instead of being hopefully 2-0 up with 20 minutes to go, you come in a situation where with one minute to go you are 1-0 up.

“Reduced to 10 men against a team that is very physical and can put balls in [the box].”

With West Ham’s poor run of form now halted Bilic added it is vital that his side build on a big three points.

“It is a very important win for us. After the Watford game we could have stopped that slip with the game against West Brom,” he said.

“This has got to be a pattern for us in a positive way about what we have to do.”