On this day in 2010, West Ham United significantly boosted their Premier League survival chances with a 1-0 victory against Sunderland to move four points clear of the drop.
Brazilian striker Ilan – who scored four goals in 11 appearances for the Hammers – was the difference as his poked effort in the 51st minute gave Gianfranco Zola’s side all three crucial points.
Manuel da Costa’s free-kick was flicked on by Carlton Cole into the path of Ilan, who made no mistake from close range to score his second goal in as many games.
And Zola had plenty to say following the victory at Upton Park. Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: “The players put a lot of passion in. We got the three points we needed and deserved.
“Defensively the players really performed well. Everyone helped – the midfielders and the strikers. When that happens, then you have a possibility of doing well.
“The circumstances can change completely, but we made a lot of sacrifice to make things change. The three points will give us a boost in confidence.”
And that confidence boost was enough to secure the club’s Premier League status as West Ham finished the 2009/10 campaign in 17th place, five points above the drop.
The club’s social media team posted the moment Ilan scored the decisive goal, sparking lots of reaction from the Claret and Blue faithful…
Look at that ground what a fantastic place. How could they
— cabbie keith ⚒⚒ (@splodgeyoung) April 10, 2020
We’ve had worse strikers than him, thought he was pretty decent
— Lewis (@darylwhu) April 10, 2020
https://twitter.com/callum1790/status/1248537125429161984?s=20
Great scenes
— Billy Levin (@billylevin) April 10, 2020
https://twitter.com/JoshVernege/status/1248548420014477315?s=20
Incredible
— COYB (@YouBetss) April 10, 2020
