West Ham United boss Avram Grant hailed the performance of Robert Green after their 1-0 derby win over Tottenham.

Frederic Piquionne scored the only goal with a superb glancing header from a Mark Noble corner in the first half but it was goalkeeper Green who weighed in with a string of fine saves, including one spectacular effort from Luka Modric.

At the end of the game Green, who was heavily criticised for his World Cup howler for England against the United States in South Africa, appeared to aim a defiant gesture in the direction of the press box.

Grant said: "He is a good goalkeeper and it was a normal performance from him. It was a great save against Modric."

When asked had Green been harshly treated, Grant replied: "This is the life of a sportsman. I haven't seen any footballer who is good all the season. It does not matter what is in the papers he showed on the pitch that he is a very good goalkeeper. His performance today was the best speech. I like emotion in the game. I don't want to be a cold fish."

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp also admitted Green made the difference.

Redknapp said: "He has had a difficult time after his mistake at the World Cup but it looked like he was in great form again today. He made two world class saves."