West Ham United skipper Kevin Nolan sensed Chelsea were on brink of collapse as soon as Carlton Cole nodded in their equaliser on Saturday.

The Hammers went onto overrun Chelsea 3-1.

"When you see that, you're buoyed by it," said West Ham captain Nolan. "We have a tight-knit group of lads here at West Ham and it's massively important to know that when you go out there, you know everyone is going to give their all.

"When things are not going right, you need to be able to look at your mate and ask yourself, 'Is he giving everything?'

"It's great to know your team-mates will step up and be prepared to go through a brick wall for you. Since myself and Sam have come into the club we've tried to build a good spirit, not just for the 11 who play but the whole squad.

"Carlton, for example, has a fantastic attitude. He has had to wait for his chance but he's very much part of what happens on a daily basis. We have a great camaraderie - we all want to do well for each other and work for each other and this win proves that.

"I'm delighted for Carlton. It was a great result and something we needed.

"We believe we can beat anyone at the Boleyn but it was tough. The first half Chelsea played really well and we were clinging on. We had to make sure that we got in at half-time only one goal down."