At the start of the season, West Ham United and Sunderland were both anticipated to be involved in a relegation dogfight in the English Premiership and their clash at Upton Park on Sunday was built a potential 6-pointer. There’s nothing much between the two sides with both possessing decent players but on Sunday, the Hammers were up for it and comfortably defeated Sunderland 3-1.
West Ham were clearly the better side of the two at Upton Park on Sunday and never for a moment did the Londoners let the initiative slip from their grasp. Once Carlton Cole had gifted West ham the lead, they moved into top gear and left Sunderland trailing far behind.
Although Roy Keane’s stiff and competent Sunderland side didn’t bog down under West Ham pressure, they failed to take the game to the Hammers except in brief spell which saw them equalize just after halftime through Kenwyne Jones.
But a cruel own goal by Sunderland’s goalkepeer Craig Gordon decided the fate of this Premiership encounter. Nolberto Solano’s shot first hit the West Ham post and then rolled into the back of the net after coming off Gordon’s boot. That second goal from the Hammers knocked the steam off Sunderland although they did try to comeback into the match for the second time, they couldn’t quite get the rhythm.
Craig Bellamy wrapped up the match and with it sealed all 3 points for Alan Curbishley’s side with an injury-time goal. The win lifts West Ham to a respectable 10th in the Premiership table and more importantly stretched the gap between them and the relegation zone to a healthy 6 point.
West Ham also bring an end to their 3-game losing streak. On the other hand, Sunderland remain hovering dangerously just above the drop zone. Sunderland are 16th in the table with just 8 points from 10 matches and are just 1 point from safety.
Image Source: Charlton Althletic
Source: The Age
