Wow, a real tough game up in the North East today but a victory we deserved if only for our endeavour. Today was by no means about total football. There was some slick passing by us on occasion but it was all about the bodies in defence and winning the aerial onslaught seeking to provide Cisse and Jones with the ammunition to cut the Hammers down. That we survived is mainly due to top defending and in particular the Ginger Maldini, James Collins. Some top, top defending by the lad.
With 3 tough games (oh okay, two and Spurs) to come we really needed a win today, especially after our recent home run. We won this game because we were prepared to play ugly football to get the result and this may be a turning point in Zola's managerial career as he realises you have to build from the back before the you can have the front line playing to your symphony. We need victories like this and eventually we can start to build the football we play but this is ultimately a results business and while none of us want to play like Bolton, we may have to resort to it occasionally to ensure our safety and for there to be a foundation to build on.
Right, on with the ratings;
Green - 7 - top man as ever
Illunga - 5 - quiet game from our lad, seems to have been told to curb his attacking enthusiasm, did a job though
Upson - 7 - solid game from the England defender
Collins - 8 - man of the match, no doubt, top game
Neill - 6 - when he had best, he must have been excellent, not a bad game but he can be caught out
Faubert - 5 - frustrating as ever, set the goal up but little else was accurate
Bowyer - 6 - not bad but was losing his legs somewhat
Parker - 7 - Sky's MOTM, had a decent game and at least kept his legs for longer this time
Behrami - 7 - wish he'd got the second but a decent performance and he seemed delighted to score us and Frankie, could become a favourite
Cole - 6 - some on the forums say it was his worst game which I think is harsh, he's had better days but please let's not start getting on his back, he needs confidence to shine
Bellamy - 6 - should have finished his chance, bustled around but never greatly troubled Sunderland
Subs - Mullins - 6 - did a good job breaking up play. LBM - 6 - gave them something to think about when he came on. Di Michele - hmmm, can I pass?
Zola/Clarke - 7 - two clean sheets on the trot, hopefully starting to turn things around
Really pleased with this 3 points, definitely needed it to keep ourselves out of the relegation vortex. Proud of you all lads, well done Hammers!