Whispers

How the Irons rated against Sunderland

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Adrian: Excellent performance. No chance with pen but fine Wickham save near end and looked safe as houses 7

Jenkinson: Maintained his high standards defensively and going forward 7

Tomkins: Unlucky for the penalty that really never was but not at his most commanding 6

Reid: Big reputation but consistently middling performances and  lucky to get away with a penalty shout

Cresswell: Another seven performance. Hard player to fault and currently looking one of smartest buys of summer 7

Kouyate: No complaints with work rate but still waiting for him to catch that early season form 6

Song: The guvnor. Time and space to spare and brings composure whenever the team is under pressure 8

Nolan: Worked hard to get forward and support his mate whilst doing a decent job in the middle 6

Downing: Grabbed the goal, provided plenty of well places passes and crosses and popped up in dangerous positions 8

Carroll: All action performance and quickly coming back to his very best 7

Sakho: Not right at the top of his game but his work rate and non stop effort  is a joy 6

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Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!"

Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon