WEST HAM boss Avram Grant put last night's 5-0 thrashing at Newcastle United down to a 'bad day at the office'.

The Hammers were torn apart by the Magpies, with Leon Best grabbing a hat-trick in a performance inspired by midfielder Joey Barton. Kevin Nolan and Peter Lovenkrands got the other goals.

The result sees West Ham slip back down to the foot of the table, despite a festive period haul of seven points from three games.

Grant admitted his side were well off the pace at St James' Park. “Everything we tried to do didn't go well and the physical side and quality wasn't there,” he said.

“We were in it at the beginning then gave away sloppy goals. These results can happen sometimes. You can have bad days in the office.

“At 3-0 we tried to do something, but they then made it 4-0 and it wasn't easy.”