Hull City recorded a 1-0 victory over West Ham United to secure back-to-back wins in the Premier League and lift themselves up to seventh in the table.
Robbie Brady found the net in the 12th minute of the game from the penalty spot after being brought down by Joey O'Brien.
Although the Hammers put Steve Bruce's side under the cosh in the second half, they could not find a goal and fell to their second defeat in as many weeks.
Sports Mole takes a look at the action to see if the Tigers deserved their win.
Match statistics:
Hull:
Shots 9
On target 2
Possession 40%
Corners 6
Fouls 11
West Ham:
Shots 18
On target 5
Possession 60%
Corners 6
Fouls 12
Was the result fair?
West Ham deserved to get something from the game for their efforts in the second half. They peppered the Hull goal at times and did not get the rub of the green when they needed it. They also lacked quality at times in the striker's position. Hull defended well but this will definitely be a bonus for Bruce's side.
Hull's performance
The Tigers dominated the first half and deserved their lead. They could and probably should have gone at least two goals ahead but their finishing was not quite at its best this afternoon. In the second half they were poor and struggled as the Hammers increased the tempo. However, they stuck to their guns defensively and had a bit of luck, which was enough to earn them the points.
West Ham's performance
Sam Allardyce's side definitely deserved a point from the game. As mentioned earlier, they were denied a clear-cut penalty in the second half when Rosenior handled in the box, but referee Kevin Friend was not in a giving mood to the Hammers. Defensively they could have been a bit better in the first half as they allowed Brady a bit too much space and were also pedestrian with their passing. After the break it was a different story as they dominated possession and chances but just could not find that moment of magic.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Robbie Brady: The Republic of Ireland international played extremely well for the hosts as he was their creative influence throughout the first half. He set up countless chances and if his teammates were on the same page, then his side could have had a few more goals. He won the penalty for his side, which he duly dispatched for the second time this season. Brady looks to have settled to the Premier League extremely well and Hull could have a really good player on their hands.
Biggest gaffe
The two penalties. First just a poor challenge from O'Brien to foul Brady in the penalty area: he was all over him and gave Friend no alternative to point to the spot. One cannot get away with that in the modern game and the Hammers were punished. However, they should have had a penalty of their own when Liam Rosenior handled in the box, but Friend waved play on. It was a poor decision and it may have cost Allardyce's side a point.
Referee performance
Kevin Friend was inconsistent today, he perhaps should have sent Kevin Nolan off in the eighth minute for a really poor challenge on Rosenior as he came late and a little bit over the top of the ball, but the referee awarded only a yellow. He correctly gave a penalty for O'Brien's clumsy challenge on Brady but didn't give the decision the other way when Rosenior clearly handled in the second half. Friend also missed a few niggly tackles by the Tigers, which stopped the Hammers' attacking momentum at times.
What next?
Hull: The Tigers are in action in the Premier League next Saturday when they host Aston Villa, who beat Manchester City today.
West Ham: Allardyce's side face Tottenham Hotspur next Sunday at White Hart Lane.
Simon Sinclair
