WEST HAM 0, SUNDERLAND 2

Sunderland hoisted themselves to second place in the Premiership with a battling display in front of new England coach Sven Goran Eriksson at Upton Park.

Peter Reid's men survived early West Ham pressure to take the lead in the 22nd minute when Slovakian central defender Stanislav Varga headed his first goal for the club.

The Londoners, with midfielder Joe Cole outstanding, tried hard to get back on terms, coming close when Italian Paulo Di Canio hit the post in the 63rd minute.

But Sunderland made sure of victory when Scottish international Don Hutchison surprised the home defence with a quickly taken freekick, smashing a 22-yard right foot shot home in the 68th minute.