David Moyes ‘admires’ how Norwich City have stuck to their beliefs despite inflicting a heavy defeat that sealed a swift Premier League exit.

West Ham’s 4-0 rout means the Canaries must again plan for life in the Football League, but Moyes – who forged his early coaching reputation at that level with Preston – insists there was a purity to City’s top flight attempt.

“I really hope football is not just about who has the most money wins or wins the league. It is important there are other ways to do it,” he said. “I admire Norwich for how they tried to do it.

“They didn’t spend a lot of money, they have stuck with the manager and not tried to change the way they play. That is their choice. If it is not all about money then clubs can still dream.

“But certainly it is true to say if you have lots of money it gives you a better chance of winning.

“We limited them to not very many opportunities. I have watched Norwich quite a bit and they have created chances but we did a good job. There was a good save from Lukasz before half-time but I am driving it into the players I want clean sheets.”

Michail Antonio’s four-goal masterclass eased the Hammers’ own relegation fears.

“He’s actually improved even from when he’s started (playing as the lone striker), because we were always looking to get him in behind,” said Moyes. “But now we’re able to get him a bit more into feet, set things up and play off him.

“Because of his pace and his threat and his power, nobody really wants to play against him, so he’s become a good threat for us.

“There aren’t many players in the Premier League who get to score four goals.

“I have to say he probably had one of his best days in training on Friday. I can smile about it, but it’s a big thing about training well, being good at what you do, and you hope you take it into the games and it leads you into good performances.

“We scored four, and really, if we’d have scored seven or eight, I’d probably have been thinking that was about right. The clean sheet was all-important as well, because keeping them to none always gives you a chance. Even when it’s 2-0, you don’t want them to get a goal; even when it’s 3-0.”