Match Report: Unlikely Top Four Clash Sees Big Sam Come Out on Top

As Sam Allardyce walked into his post-match press conference after Saturday’s lunch time match, he looked like the cat that got the cream — and for good reason. Allardyce’s side not only took three points from the champions, but did so in style. Allardyce declared that it was a “massive, massive victory and a massive statement from [West Ham]”.

Both teams came out ready to attack, creating an end-to-end game without sign or symptom of City’s 3000 mile midweek road trip. But the visitors came up against a defiant home side prepared to deal with an early onslaught that they’d bring. In fact, James Collins handled the ever-present goal threat that is Sergio Agüero with aplomb throughout the match. Agüero managed to get seven shots off, however just 2 of those managed to find the target in large due to Collins' persistence in closing the diminutive Argentinian down.

West Ham played with a fantastic intensity, which drew praise from Pellegrini after the match. They consistently tested City's back four who, according to Allardyce, "did not hold up" to the pressure. Many were quick to point out that City’s problems in defence were down to Mangala having a poor game, but it was their captain who seemed to struggle the most with West Ham's pace.

Kompany grew visibly frustrated as the game wore on and was extremely lucky that Martin Atkinson was keen to keep his cards in his pocket. The Belgian committed more fouls against West Ham (6) than any other player in a Premier League match this weekend. A number of those challenges could easily have been his second yellow of the afternoon and reduced his side to just 10.

The effervescent performances of Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho have been key to West Ham's push into a Champions League position. Allardyce remarked that he doesn't think they even realise what they've done -- how big it is. They just want to go out there and play football.

It was Sakho's header that eventually proved decisive. He's now scored in West Ham's last 6 games and only Costa, Agüero and Berahino have more goals in the Premier League this season. However, the summer signing's contribution wasn't limited to that of a goal threat. He also made 2 tackles, 2 interceptions and 2 clearances. Allardyce noted that the result came because each of his men had put in a brilliant performance. And with the defensive contributions that his attacking players are making - they'll be tough for any side to break down.

Although Allardyce heaped praise, deservedly, on the entire team Alex Song was deemed man of the match inside the ground and Allardyce hinted that the performance of the players stemmed from Song. Not only did he compare Song to his former charges Okocha and Hierro in terms of influence, but also quality. “When you have got quality players then they look forward to the big games. The less quality players, they get a bit anxious.”

Despite Song’s performance on Saturday being limited to just 41 touches, his presence and control of the ball dictated the play from the opening whistle. He played a role in each of the goals with his incisive passing and distracted City’s players with the state of his shorts. His influence on Saturday’s memorable victory and West Ham’s season would be difficult for anyone to overlook.

With rumours swirling that Allardyce has not given up on the England job - not many would complain if he could get the national team playing half as well as this current East London side.

How did you rate West Ham's performance against City this weekend? Let us know in the comments below