West Ham 2 - 1 Nottingham Forest

This was a good result, despite the slow start and the slack finish, which took the gloss of the win.  Despite the aggravating reality that we didn't keep a clean sheet today, overall it was a solid, if largely pedestrian, team performance today with Mark Noble clearing off the line once and scoring two penalties, not to mention a close shot from open play that skimmed the outside of the post. Collison missed a sitter, and Lansbury drew a great save from Camp. And, despite the two goal lead, Sam made a refreshing decision to replace Baldock at 78 minutes with Robert Hall and Piquionne on for Cole later rather than putting a defensive minded player on.  Forest's late goal came from Lewis McGugan. It was a left footed 30 yard screamer from just left of the D outside the 18 yard box right on time. Certainly it was a silly way to end the match, and takes the gloss of a good win; let's hope it doesn't make Sam rethink his late substitutions... 

Cole had several headed chances today to add to his 8 goals, but was unable to stuff them in the onion bag; if he's not careful he'll have Mark Noble passing him as West Ham's top scorer with 6 to his name now. I'm not sure if that's good news...

For those out there who don't think we need a new striker, I ask you to consider the fact that Baldock, Cole, Carew and Piquionne have not been banging them away of late, and but for Mark Noble and seven goal Nolan, we'd be in a pickle. In fact, but for referees, we wouldn't have scored our last three goals. Yes Cole should be banging them away in this league, but, evidently, he's not.

With Cardiff's late win, we are still only 4 points ahead of them, and with Southampton to play at home on Monday, it's likely we'll be second by Tuesday.

But sitting at the top of the table is fabulous, and certainly gives me heart that we are on the right path.  We still have everything to play for, and with a ten day rest until going to Ipswich, we can perhaps pick up a striker and see the return of Matty Taylor and the introduction of Demel and John to the squad.

Paul