West Ham United 3 Hull City 0
If ever the term 'game of two halves' summed up a match adequately, it was this one. Hull were bright and creative in the first forty-five minutes, with the lively Sone Aluko a constant threat to the Hammers' defence. Yet for all his good work, Steve Bruce's men just couldn't take advantage and get their noses in front. It proved costly for the Tigers, as West Ham improved markedly after the break to move through the gears and ultimately take a comfortable three points with three well-worked goals.
Hull started much the better of the two teams, with Aluko setting up the first real chance for the Egyptian Ahmed Elmohamady as he squared the ball across the area, but the full-back blazed his shot high and wide.
Aluko continued to show endeavour and trickery throughout the first period, but his industry went unrewarded.
The home side offered a sporadic threat during a strangely tepid first-half for Sam Allardyce's players, with centre-half James Tompkins heading over from their only true sight of goal from a corner.
West Ham could only improve after the break and some marginal adjustments after words in the dressing room at half-time proved fruitful. They returned to the flowing, adventurous form that has underpinned a successful season up to now, with winger Stewart Downing to the fore. First it was he who set up skipper Kevin Nolan to fire wide of goal as United began to get up a head of steam.
Four minutes into the half, Enner Valencia fired in a wickedly dipping shot that Allan McGregor couldn't hold on to in the Hull goal, allowing the ever-eager Andy Carroll to prod the ball home from close range.
Feeling the home pressure mounting, as many sides before them have succumbed to the Hammers this season, errors began to creep into City's play.
The usually reliable Michael Dawson was an unlikely source, but his stray pass across the area set up Valencia with another golden opportunity, but the Ecuadorian could only find the side netting with his shot. He amended for his wastefulness shortly afterwards, setting up Morgan Amalfitano to coolly chip the ball past McGregor and into the net.
United's third on 72 minutes was simplicity exemplified, as Hull were carved open at the back thanks to an astute through ball from Alex Song. Downing ran on to the visionary pass and as so often already this term by the rejuvenated England international, his finish was clinical. There was still time for Nolan to hit the woodwork as the Hammers brushed Hull aside with ease.
The win sees West Ham move back up to seventh in the table above Liverpool, while Hull remain in the bottom three.
