IT could soon be a case of no more Mr Nice Guy because the pressure is growing for Ricky Sbragia. Junior Stanislas – just 19 and on his first start – broke the deadlock against Sunderland just before the break, then 20-year-old James Tomkins doubled the advantage after the restart at Upton Park.

Gianfranco Zola had spoken on the eve of the game about his youngsters stepping up following injuries to Carlton Cole and Scott Parker – and they responded immediately.

You couldn't say the same about Sunderland. Victory moved West Ham back up to seventh – which should be enough for continental football – and it leaves Sbragia's men in deep relegation trouble.

The signs were not good for Sbragia's men when Kieran Richardson, back from suspension, kicked the corner flag rather than the ball when he attempted to take an early set-piece.

Despite that comedy moment, Sunderland did nearly take the lead when Grant Leadbitter was sent through by Djibril's Cisse's flick but Robert Green blocked the finish.

However, West Ham soon went into overdrive with the effervescent David Di Michele setting up young Stanislas. And from there they were never threatened. You can't say the same about Sunderland.