Hammers win it the Allardyce way

It was poor -very poor but who cares.

The win lifted us into fifth place, gave us our best unbeaten run in 18 years and set us up for two difficult games over the next seven days.

It was indeed ironic that we managed to in a difficult game the Allardyce way.Maybe that was the plan – really wind him up after all he’s had to say this week. I jest 😉

We were never convincing, never in charge and at times looking quite awful with defensive headed clearances in particular invariably falling to Sunderland feet.

But a glorious goal from the find of the season – Michail Antonio – who had a bit of luck from some dreadful defending before curling in a lovely left foot shot at the far post – was enough to give us the points.

It was the one moment of pure quality from the Irons although Noble had seen a blistering shot finger tipped onto the bar and Carroll smashed another against the bar from a Byram knock down.

The right back had earlier been booked which will now rule him out of the next to games after reaching 10 yellows.

But for the main part we were a team lacking energy and invention. Lanzini was taken off in the second half – obviously still not 100 per cent match fit – and with him the creativity levels dipped  bit further.

Sunderland chucked s much as they had at us and looked untypically Sam but Defoe fired their best effort wide from close in and Adrian made one great save with his right foot.

It was ugly and worrying at times but we’ll have forgotten about it quite quickly as we approach the midweek affair against those who can’t be named and then a trip to  bogey team Everton.

Slav reckons we deserved to win – that’s debatable but who honestly cares. Three points- still looking up.

It was difficult to name a man of the match but Antonio’s selfless running and great goal is always a joy and he gets my vote.

COME ON YOU IRONS