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West Ham can't keep relying on Dimitri Payet, says James Collins

James Collins of West Ham during the Premier League match against Manchester City
Image: West Ham defender James Collins

James Collins has warned his West Ham team-mates they cannot continue to rely on Dimitri Payet to get them out of trouble.

Slaven Bilic's side were heading for a fifth straight Premier League defeat until France international Payet rescued a 1-1 draw with a stunning solo goal against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

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Slaven Bilic says he's happy his West Ham side have picked up a point at home to Middlesbrough but is disappointed it wasn't all three as they drew 1-1

The Hammers were trailing to Cristhian Stuani's 51st-minute header when Payet picked up the ball out on the left before beating half Middlesbrough's outfield players before slotting past goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

It was a goal which led Bilic to compare Payet to Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, but defender Collins knows they cannot rely on moments of individual brilliance from him.

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"It's a great goal and Dimi is a world-class player, but we can't depend on him," Collins told West Ham's official website.

Dimitri Payet (C) scores for West Ham
Image: Dimitri Payet scored West Ham's equaliser against Middlesbrough on Saturday at the London Stadium

"We can't depend on him to keep making goals like that, we need to be better defensively and better going forward and take our chances.

"It's a lot to keep asking Dimi to come up with goals like that, so it's something we need to work on.

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Phil Thompson gives his review on the match at the London Stadium between West Ham and Middlesbrough

"I thought we played better than that and deserved the three points, if I'm honest, but it stops the rot and we've got a break now and can get our heads on for the next game."

Next up for the Hammers is a trip to Crystal Palace on October 15 when the Premier League resumes after the international break.

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