The Hammers were forced to come from behind to take a point off their fellow Barclays Premier League strugglers after surrendering a 2-0 lead.

Manuel da Costa hit the equaliser for the London club after Bernard Mendy was sent off for denying Scott Parker a clear goalscoring opportunity.

The result ensured both sides ended the day outside the bottom three.

Zola said: "I think it was a crazy game.

"When we were 2-0 up I couldn't see them coming back because we looked in control.

"Their first goal was a deflection, maybe the second goal we should have done better and the third goal was a penalty that wasn't a penalty at all.

"After that it was tough to come back but the reaction from the team was excellent and I am delighted for them.

"At the end of the day we have got a point and it could have been more because we had a couple of chances to get another goal."

The Hammers raced ahead with headed goals from Guillermo Franco and Jack Collison inside the opening 11 minutes.

Hull replied when a Jimmy Bullard free-kick deflected off Scott Parker and Carlton Cole to loop over goalkeeper Robert Green.

Kamil Zayatte equalised and then Bullard completed a remarkable turnaround before half-time as he smashed in a penalty after Craig Fagan was adjudged to have been fouled.

Zola added: "It was a strange game. Maybe we could have handled it better when we were 2-0 up but I have to say they came back really well.

"Hull City played a good game and did very well to do what they did.

"I'm sure it wasn't a penalty for them. Referees sometimes make mistakes and you can't do anything about that.

"The important thing for me was the reaction. I am delighted about that."

After playing for final 37 minutes with a numerical disadvantage, Hull will take heart from the result.

Coming after their victory over Stoke in their last outing, the Tigers have lifted spirits after a gloomy start to the campaign.

Manager Phil Brown said: "We found ourselves 2-0 down but we were playing well enough.

"They were trusting each other with the ball and were probing and confident. We were causing West Ham problems.

"You need a bit of luck to get the first goal but then West Ham went on the back foot.

"Consequently we got a second and then a soft penalty - but a penalty nonetheless."

Brown had no complaints over the sending off but felt his side should have had a second penalty when substitute Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink felt he was impeded by Matthew Upson.

Brown said: "It's absolute classic. Matthew Upson is climbing all over him and if he gives the first one the second one is an absolute stonewall certainty.

"If you look at that penalty, I am disappointed with a point - but I am grateful for a point in the Premier League at any stage."

Brown also hailed the impact of record signing Bullard, who has made a significant impact since returning from a knee injury.

He said: "You can't keep a good man down, you can't knock a guy like Jimmy.

"Jimmy has got team-mates around him that are trusting him with the ball.

"That trust has brought a belief and that has brought confidence. Consequently we played some very good football."

Brown was surprised when told of today's announcement that his former boss at Bolton and good friend Sam Allardyce, now manager at Blackburn, is to undergo a heart operation.

He said: "Obviously I am concerned and I will be on the phone to him as soon as I can."