Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has rated second-bottom side West Ham as a 'strong, hard team' after the two sides drew 1-1 at Upton Park.

The Blues maintained their lead on top of the Premier League table with the point from the draw and although Ancelotti said it was not a great performance by his side, he said the club could afford to enjoy their Christmas for the hard work they had put in during the first half of the season.

"We didn't play a good match. We met a strong, hard team. It was a tough game," he said.

"It is not easy to play every three days. It is not easy to prepare. Now we have one week to prepare for the next game and we will improve.

"But we have four points more than anybody in the league and we can have a good Christmas."

Chelsea tackle this season's surprise packets Birmingham City at St Andrews on Boxing Day in their next league fixture.