West Ham moved up into the automatic promotion places after grinding out a 1-0 away victory in a scrappy game at Brighton and Hove Albion.
There was a lack of pretty football from the Hammers, but a well earned fighting three points at the AMEX stadium will more than satisfy the supporters for their relatively short journey home.
A 17th minute goal from Kevin Nolan was enough to push West Ham up to 2nd and move to within three points of top spot. Poor defending from Liam Bridcutt and terrible goalkeeping from Nolan’s former Newcastle United team mate Steve Harper made it all too easy for the West Ham skipper.
Brighton had a large chunk of possession after that early goal but only troubled Manuel Almunia once in the game; a Craig Mackail-Smith effort that he was equal too; not enough to deserve even a point from the match.
George McCartney particularly impressed at the back for the away side along with Winston Reid and Mark Noble who put themselves on the line to earn the vital victory that was duly appreciated by the sold out away end.
Supporters will want Sam Allardyce’s team to play attractive football, but the conditions and opponents didn’t allow that to happen on Monday night, and grinding out 1-0 away victories is surely a sign of champions.
With Matty Taylor, Henri Lansbury, Rob Green, David Bentley, Carlton Cole and James Tomkins all missing from the squad due to injury, a lot of credit must go to everyone involved for a morale boosting victory ahead of a massive game with Leicester City on Saturday at Upton Park.
Brighton have had a decent start to the season but are unlikely to be challenging the likes of West Ham for automatic promotion due to their lack of firepower up front and ill discipline that was clear to see during the live game on Sky Sports.
The Hammers travelling fans were terrific once again, and for the second time in a week when West Ham come to town the home side has a record attendance at their ground.
West Ham are the main attraction in the Championship this season and are starting to live up to expectations, sitting in second place and Southampton are now in sight with just over quarter of the season gone.
