So let's start with a couple of quotes from the Cardiff message board before the game….
"Not worried about this West ham team 1 bit!"
"There's no one in that West Ham team that particularly worries me. I think we can win this one"
Ah, bless the optimism of the newly promoted club! Not to kick a man when he is down and all that, but I expected a lot more from Cardiff, if they play like that all season they are definitely going to be in trouble. Bellamy can no longer run around like a teenager on speed, Frazer Cambell just throws himself to the floor and I didn't get the fuss around Medel, less of a pitbull, more of a poodle. The only threat comes from the classy Peter Whittingham but you can't rely on free kicks for survival.
The lads warming up at an overcast Upton Park
Anyway, on to us and it was a measured and comfortable performance, everyone playing with themselves and being professional. Standouts were Winston Reid as usual, Joe Cole looked very sharp and busy all over the pitch, Mark Noble kept things ticking between defence and midfield and Diame's runs were as penetrating as ever. Man of the match for me was Kevin Nolan, he worked hard at the back, throwing himself in front of a couple of shots and was dangerous up front, finishing off the day with a splendidly taken goal. I also really liked the look of Stewart Downing when he cam on as well, a very assured player who took on his man with ease. And this is all without Andy Caroll!
Speaking of which, there seems to be some discussion over Maiga, I certainly did not hear him booed, he was shouted at for not chasing a seemingly obvious ball, but booed, no. He was a weak link for me, but Sam has chosen to big him up in the post match press conference, in all likelihood to give him some confidence.
Overall, a good day at the office and just 47 points to go to hit Sam's target! Irons!