West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce hailed matchwinner Kevin Nolan after victory over Aston Villa.

Nolan's close-range strike five minutes before the interval was enough for West Ham to make a successful return to the Barclays Premier League.

Allardyce said: "Kevin Nolan is like David Platt because he ghosts into the box without anyone knowing how he got there.

"We might have won by more. It was a good performance with a clean sheet.

"It was a very good decision by the referee because the ball clearly came off the Villa player (when it was flicked on to Vaz Te) but refs don't always question their linesmen.

"We should have had a penalty when Carlton Cole was shoved to the ground.

"I was a bit nervous because you never quite know how it's going to go after pre-season. A good start is so important to a team such as us because it helps secure your Premier position as early as possible.

"It takes the pressure off the players and the fans, and it makes everyone enjoy their football."