West Ham earned a narrow but thoroughly deserved 1-0 win against Manchester City at Upton Park. The Hammers now lie seventh in the table with a real chance of pushing on for a Uefa Cup berth next season.

Former Hammer Craig Bellamy, who endured a torrent of boos from the home supporters, was City's only real threat in what was a subdued performance from the men from Eastlands.

All the play came from the hosts and the winning goal came on 71 minutes from Jack Collison.

City finally woke up, but it was too little, too late and their miserable record of only one win on their travels this season continues.

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes felt his side deserved the three points.

He told the clubs official website, "I thought our performance was good, on the balance of play we created four or five really good chances but did not take them.

"West Ham did not create a great deal, but in the second half they had one chance and took it. Unfortunately for us that has shaped the game. I thought it was one of our best away performances of the season, including Liverpool, but we did not take the chances and get the goal we needed.

"Goals change games, it's an old cliché but it is absolutely true. If we had scored first West Ham would have had to come out at us, which is when we can pick teams off. But when we concede first we find it difficult to put pressure on. Overall the performance was fine but we are very disappointed to lose away from home again.

"We were the away side but West Ham for long periods played like the away side trying to repel attacks. Attitude and performance-wise I am more than happy, but result wise we have to be disappointed because that was a game we should have won."