West Ham 1 Hull City 0: Mark Noble is the Hammers' penalty hero again as captain seals London Stadium win

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Sam Long17 December 2016

Mark Noble's penalty helped West Ham haul themselves five points clear of the relegation zone with a 1-0 victory over Hull City at the London Stadium on Saturday.

Mike Phelan's side had lost their last six Premier League away games prior to today but were unfortunate not to come away with at least a point, having been denied by the frame of the goal on three separate occasions.

Slaven Bilic's side rode their luck in a frantic game but perhaps a rub of the green such as this will finally jolt the east Londoners into life.

The Hammers were lucky not to go behind as early as the 20th minute when Aaron Cresswell gifted the visitors an opportunity courtesy of a woefully short backpass.

Dieumerci Mbokani latched onto the loose ball before guiding it over Darren Randolph only to see his effort cannon back into play off the upright.

Getty Images

Hull went close again soon after as hapless Hammers defending gave Harry Maguire a free header at the back post.

The hosts' marking was non existent, allowing the central defender to rise highest and force Randolph into a fine save down to his left.

The game could have been settled by the break and Bilic responded with a double substitution.

Manuel Lanzini and Pedro Obiang were hauled off at the interval with Andre Ayew and Edimilson Fernandes brought on in an effort to turn the tide.

AFP/Getty Images

But all the duo's introduction appeared to lead to was a change in formation. Hull remained on top, despite having both Michail Antonio and Carroll to deal with up front.

The Hammers were hanging on when Hull hit the post twice in the space of two minutes as Mark Noble almost directed a defensive into his own net while Andrew Robertson smashed an effort off the inside of the upright.

And the moment of fortune arrived when Tom Huddlestone tussled with Antonio, prompting referee Craig Pawson to point to the spot.

Noble stepped up and kept his composure for the second successive home game, slotting past Marshall to give his side all three points.

AFP/Getty Images

Andy Carroll insisted earlier this week that the Hammers were too good to be dragged into a relegation battle.

And this victory has given the east Londoners breathing space.

But this encounter had the hallmarks of two sides battling for survival and Bilic's men are disillusioned if they believe they are already out of the woods.

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