West Ham United have moved nine points clear of the relegation zone after they recorded a 2-1 victory over Hull City.

The Hammers took the lead midway through the first half when Mark Noble netted a penalty after Allan McGregor was dismissed for bringing down Mohamed Diame in the penalty area.

Hull equalised three minutes into the second half through Nikica Jelavic, but an own goal from defender James Chester handed the home side the three points.

Below, Sports Mole assesses whether West Ham were deserving of the three points at Upton Park.

Match statistics

West Ham United
Shots: 9
On target: 3
Possession: 44%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 12

Hull City
Shots: 10
On target: 3
Possession: 56%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 9

Was the result fair?

Despite playing with an extra man for the majority of the contest, West Ham were fortunate to come away from this match with the three points. After Allan McGregor was dismissed, they failed to take the initiative and that ensured that Hull were always competitive. Despite losing McGregor, Hull were superb, and on another day, they would have earned at least a point.

West Ham United's performance

Manager Sam Allardyce will be delighted that his side ended their recent poor form, but he will be far from pleased with their performance. They lacked intensity and creativity against a Hull side who were momentarily there for the taking in the immediate aftermath of McGregor's sending-off, but the home team allowed Hull a way back into the game and after sitting back in the final stages, they were lucky to get the win.

Hull City's performance

Steve Bruce will be disappointed with the circumstances in which his team have fallen to defeat at Upton Park, but the spirit shown within their ranks suggests that the Tigers won't be harmed by this defeat. Despite their disadvantage, they dominated possession for large spells of the match, but their undoing came through their own errors, with James Chester's calamitous own goal sending them to defeat.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Nikica Jelavic: Mohamed Diame impressed for the Hammers, but after he was substituted midway through the second half, this award goes to Nikica Jelavic. The Croatian endured a difficult time at previous club Everton but he has settled in well at the KC Stadium and his display this evening suggested that he can have a real impact at the club over the next couple of years.

Biggest gaffe

You already know who committed the biggest gaffe of the night. His performance in general was solid, but James Chester's own goal gets worse every time that you see it. There appeared little danger when the ball was swung into the box, but the centre-back somehow managed to slice the ball off his left foot and into the roof of the net.

Referee performance

Mike Dean had a quiet game in the middle. His only major decision during the 90 minutes was to hand a red card to Allan McGregor, which was the correct decision, and he can be happy with his work at Upton Park.

What next?

West Ham United: West Ham travel to Sunderland next Monday before playing host to Liverpool the following Sunday.

Hull City: The Tigers make the trip to the Britannia Stadium to face Stoke City on Saturday before they play at home against Swansea City.