Winning Ugly is a characteristic of top six sides

After yesterday's victory over Hull City - described by some outlets as a 'thrashing' - Hammer's fans need to not get carried away as, despite the 3-0 scoreline, we were truly dreadful for the first half and hardly deserved to be at parity as we headed down the half-time tunnel.

Sam's assertion that we were off the pace and 'tired' rings true, especially when one considers that the wily old Steve Bruce almost certainly told his troops to run at West ham to test their energy levels. James Tomkins in particular looked well-weary and was repeatedly tormented by the pace of Hull's Sone Aluko. Maybe he was still upset after the 'row' with Mark Noble during Tuesday night's tense affair?

At half time Sam reverted to the diamond and it all clicked. Hull barely threatened and after establishing a lead, West Ham duly put Hull to the sword catching them on the breal twice in a matter of minutes. It was pleasing to see Andy Carroll score a classic striker's goal from McGregor's unfortunate spill as his repertoire would be improved by adding more 'easy' goals to his tally. We are told that Teddy is providing special sessions for Carroll and in all fairness he looked like Dean Ashton at times yesterday with some nice interplay.

Valencia is a conundrum - undoubtedly talented, he has struggled a little due to inconsistent game time and immediately after Sakho's injury he looked ring rusty. However, yesterday he was excellent and created two of the three goals and was unlucky not to add to his goal haul. One senses that over time if managed correctly that Enner will become a Premiership sensation. The best players often have a lukewarm first season in this uniquely frantic league.

So, the Hammers ran out easy winners against a decimated Hull city team who cannot score for fun. Perhaps not such an amazing result but how many times over the years have we come out the wrong side of a comprehensive scoreline against top sides having performed well for much of the game?

Dare we say it......are we really now a top side? The next four Premiership fixtures against Liverpool, Man United, Southampton and Tottenham will certainly test our credentials to sit at the top table....