Solano Hands Out Cruel Punishment to Fulham

Nolberto Solano grabbed a controversial late winner for West Ham on the day Bobby Moore was honored by his former clubs. It is the 15th anniversary this weekend of Moore passing away, and supporters stood for a minute's applause ahead of a game which was settled by Solano's 87th-minute winner that appeared to come off his arm after challenging goalkeeper Antti Niemi.

Before that, it was not a fitting match to honor England's World Cup hero. The fixture list had somehow put Moore's two teams together with the coincidence that West Ham had not lost in a league match at Fulham since 1966, the year Moore lifted the World Cup.

They did not look likely to lose their record either, shading a match low on quality. It leaves Fulham in deep relegation trouble, while West Ham can look towards European qualification.

Fulham have won once since 4 November and the prospects of doubling their tally were not good, as West Ham dominated from the start with Carlton Cole to the fore. First, a Mark Noble cross was volleyed athletically by the angular striker and Niemi had to be sharp. Second, Cole broke though the middle, drawing a fine tackle from Paul Konchesky. Minutes later, he was threatening for a third time as his shot from the edge of the area skimmed over the bar.

It was frantic stuff, with the ball zipping back and forth at great pace but to little effect. Luis Boa Morte had the best chance, the ball falling to him four yards out with his back to goal, but his header lacked power and direction.

Fulham huffed and puffed but produced nothing. Konchesky had a weak shot saved by Robert Green early in the half, and a weaker one from Brian McBride came in towards half time.

Their fans' desperation was evident in the incidents that would bring them to their feet; a non-penalty, a non-foul, a non-throw. Conspiracy theories abounded and referee Howard Webb, for the home fans, was at the heart of them.

The second half continued in the same vein. A Diomansy Kamara shot hit Anton Ferdinand in the area - 'Penalty!' they screamed. A Jimmy Bullard shot was diverted - 'Penalty!' they screamed. A header from the gangling Brede Hangeland went over the bar. It was their most impressive spell.

West Ham came back, Mark Noble pushing a shot just wide. Then, only a well-timed tackle from Aaron Hughes denied Cole.

The game opened up. A Kamara pass released Clint Dempsey but, one-on-one with the keeper, he shot tamely at Green. At the other end, Boa Morte should have done better with a free header. Next, a very strong back pass from Hughes very nearly confounded Niemi.

Fulham made a brave late effort. Leon Andreasen put Bullard through and Green had to save well.

And then the contentious goal. Lucas Neill crossed, Boa Morte chested the ball back and a sprawling Solano elbowed the ball past a flailing Niemi. A rubbish, probably illegal goal. Andreasen was sent off for banging on about its lack of aesthetic merit.