On the stroke of half-time, Konchesky cleared off the line again, heading away Onuoha's effort after another Musampa corner rattled the West Ham defence. City continued to threaten after the break - Carroll saving from Cole and Vassell in quick succession. As the match opened up, a flick from Harewood inside his own half set Etherington through on goal but, after eluding three players in pursuit, he could find no way past James.
Carroll, who was becoming increasingly involved, saved from Vassell and then palmed away a strike from Musampa, but the ball broke for Cole via Danny Gabbidon and the striker smashed the ball into the net. Cole should have completed his hat-trick after 75 minutes but, with time to pick his spot, he shot wide from 10 yards. Benayoun almost notched a late goal for the Hammers but James smothered the ball at his feet. But Benayoun did play his part in West Ham finding the net, his angled pass playing through substitute Zamora through to slide the ball past James on the stroke of full-time.
To be perfectly honest City should have won the game by at least three or four goals because they had so much clear cut chances. The win for Stuart Pearces men lifts them into a Champions League spot and level on points with Manchester rivals United. City were in control of virtually all of proceddings and West Ham couldn't create enough chances to take something away from the City Of Manchester Stadium.
