A second-half blitz saw West Ham United record a comprehensive 3-0 win over struggling Hull City in this afternoon's Premier League clash at Upton Park, the result putting the Hammers seventh in the table.
© Getty Images
The visitors made a bright start to the game, Sone Aluko weaving past the Hammers defence and seeing shots blocked away on two occasions.
In the fifth minute, Steve Bruce's charges could have easily got themselves in front when the Nigeria international cut the ball back to Ahmed Elmohamady, but the subsequent effort was scuffed wide.
The pendulum instantly swung the way of the hosts, however, as Aaron Cresswell lashed a long-range drive past the top corner, and just moments later, Enner Valencia dragged a shot wide from the edge of the area.
Sam Allardyce's team continued to press and were nearly rewarded in the 12th minute when Curtis Davies denied Valencia, with the subsequent corner headed over by James Tomkins.
The 25-year-old Hammers defender was not quite so apt at the back, however, as Aluko once again skipped past him with ease, but the Hull striker hesitated for too long in the box and was eventually dispossessed.
© Getty Images
West Ham were by no means under the cosh, and drew gasps from the crowd five minutes before the break as a cross following a poorly cleared corner fell to Valencia, who smacked a header against the crossbar.
Indeed, the hosts went on to take the lead just four minutes after the restart, Hull goalkeeper Allan McGregor parrying out a tame dipping strike from Valencia before Andy Carroll powered in to bury the rebound.
Midway through the second half, the Hammers struck again when Morgan Amalfitano latched on to Valencia's layoff before chipping the ball over the oncoming keeper.
And just three minutes later, it was game over for the Tigers as Alex Song split the visitors' defence open with a probing pass through the middle, Stewart Downing latching on, pressing through on goal and duly slotting home.
The hosts could have added to their tally as Kevin Nolan struck the crossbar with five minutes left to play, but it mattered little as they sealed all three points with ease.
Giuseppe Labellarte
