Friday 21 September 2012 14:39, UK
Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill knows his side will face a tough test against West Ham and has defended Sam Allardyce's style of play.
"My players are getting more confidence about their game. Against Liverpool, particularly in the first half, we matched them, broke on them very strongly and scored a great goal." Allardyce has often received criticism for the direct style he favours, but O'Neill dismissed the negative attitude to the approach, especially when it can be so effective. He said: "There was a game played on Monday night between Everton and Newcastle which was a very exciting game and both teams used that tactic at times. "It still led to exciting football. There are different ways of playing the game. Not everyone can play like Barcelona although we would all love to be able to do that. "I see even Real Madrid deciding to go long when they were under pressure and needing to get a goal. Everyone is in the results business and if you feel that's what can get you a result and it's a legitimate tactic then why not use it?"
