Mauro Zarate scored on his debut and produced a performance which may have seen Kevin Nolan finally banished into the Irons shadows.
The Argentine scored a brilliant goal and ensured that the pressure is well and truly on the skipper from here on in.
He fired home a magnificent effort 34 minutes into the game to set the Irons on their way and when Stewart Downing added a second from 25 yards less than five minutes later the Irons were truly bubbling.
James Tomkins saw a header hit the bar five minutes into the second half before Marouane Chamakh reduced the arrears with a 20 yards drive.
An equaliser looked well and truly on but Carlton Cole put things beyond doubt when firing a shot past a statuesque Speroni.
Sam Allardyce’s attacking approach was aided by the inclusion of Zarate who replaced an injured Nolan and he and Cole looked very lively indeed.
Palace had their moments partiucularly when Bannan blasted straight at Adrian from the edge of the area, but the Hammers were worthy winners.
Hi Hugh nice post..
Dont like to see any player injured , But hope Nolan dosnt’t get better to quickly.. Thought the game proved only to well that whoever is playing up front alone needs support from
the midfield.. I’ve been one of CCs biggest complainers but thought he work hard as usual and with the support getting in the hole behind him worked really well ( Nolan did it for Carroll but not since.. It also showed we do not need to look for more forwards. But cerntainly need back up at centre halfe..Heres hoping.. COUIs