WEST HAM boss Avram Grant was delighted with his team's efforts after taking an impressive haul of four points from two games against Fulham and Everton in the space of just 48 hours.

A 3-1 victory over the Cottagers on Boxing Day was followed by a battling 1-1 draw with Everton at Upton Park; results that have taken the Hammers off the bottom of the table.

And Grant was quick to pay testament to the squad's dedication to the cause.

“We have just played two games in three days. I am delighted and impressed with the boys' effort,” he said after seeing the team register a point against the Toffees.

“They gave everything and their movement and pressing was good throughout. I am very pleased with their commitment.”

West Ham took the lead after just 15 minutes on Tuesday, Radoslav Kovac's overhead kick being deflected into his own net by Tony Hibbert.

However, Everton hit back through Seamus Coleman, who turned in Tim Cahill's cross at the back post after a slick move from the visitors.

Carlton Cole did miss an excellent chance late on when he scuffed his shot wide after being laid on by Freddie Sears, although Grant remained impressed with the performance, especially considering Everton did not face a game on Boxing Day.

“We could have won the game with a big chance of Coley at the end to score. We had chances to win but the most important thing was that you saw the players give everything from start to finish. It is not easy to do what they did, especially against a team that was so fresh.

“Normally we would prefer to play Everton with equal preparation. The fact we looked so fresh was because of the effort of the players. We started well because we have been working hard all week. Unfortunately when you have chance to kill, you have to take it.

“I would have taken four points from two games before the Fulham and Everton matches but of course when you are playing well you always want more. We are improving and it is not easy when we are having to change the squad every week. I am very impressed. We even needed to make changes during the match but we kept going.”