Andy Carroll says no one is bigger than West Ham

Andy Carroll says no player is bigger than West Ham following Dimitri Payet's refusal to feature for the club

Andy Carroll has taken a swipe at wantaway playmaker Dimitri Payet after helping West Ham crush Crystal Palace.

Carroll scored a stunning overhead kick to add to Sofiane Feghouli's opener before Manuel Lanzini sealed victory for Slaven Bilic's side and leave former manager Sam Allardyce still searching for his first win in charge of the Eagles.

Payet was not in the squad following his refusal to play and, after the 3-0 victory, Carroll said no one is bigger than the Hammers.

"'I don't think any player is bigger than the club. That's what the lads believe, the manager, all the staff and the fans. We showed we're a tight group and got three points for it," said the 28-year-old.

"We have answered a few of the critics, with everything that has been going in during the week and everyone talking. I have received a lot of calls and messages and it has been the same for the other players. It has been tough, especially as the lads are close to one another.

"To put all that behind us and work as a team has been fantastic. All the lads in the dressing room were fantastic and professional. They know what it means to the fans and the club. We stuck together and everyone is hungry and dedicated. It showed in the performance."