Monday 15 September 2014 22:51, UK
Sam Allardyce praised the character of his side and Enner Valencia’s wonderful goal after West Ham United battled back to draw 2-2 with Hull City.
The Hammers fell behind to Abel Hernandez’s header towards the end of the first half at the KC Stadium, but Valencia drew West Ham level in the 50th minute with a stunning strike from distance.
Mohamed Diame restored Hull’s lead against his former club, but Curtis Davies’ own goal secured a point for West Ham as he failed to prevent Diafra Sakho’s shot from going over the line.
Valencia almost nicked victory for West Ham in the final seconds but Allardyce was still satisfied with the result and very pleased with the performance.
He told Sky Sports: “It was a bit hair-raising for me when you go down twice, but we came back and showed great character.
“To play away from home and go 1-0 down, when there wasn’t anything between the teams in the first half (was difficult).
“But what a goal from Enner Valencia. I think everyone has seen why we have bought him now. It was a terrific strike, brilliant power and accuracy.
“We bounced back at 2-1 and then at the end I was ready to start dancing, which is not a pleasing sight, but we respect the point away from home, because we have come back from behind twice.
“It was a very good performance from the team and I think they will only get better as they get to know each other more.”
Allardyce believes Valencia and Sakho can go on to build a successful strike partnership, while he was also happy to bring on fellow summer signings Alex Song and Morgan Amalfitano.
Asked about Valencia, Allardyce added: “We have been seeing that in training, and that must make him feel really good and that he has arrived. I hope he goes on to score many more like that.
“He worked very hard as well, him and Diafra Sakho, they were terrific in their work-rate up front and caused a lot of problems.
“We introduced Alex Song, who will only get better with more match fitness, and Morgan Amalfitano, and we still have four injured back home.
“So I feel the squad is stronger and I just hope they go on to prove that this season and go on to deliver what we expect from them.”
Captain Mark Noble also saluted the performance of Valencia, saying: “He does that all the time in training - he's got no backlift, just pure power. I didn't even see it go in but that's what he brings.
"I was over the moon to see them both get goals, I don't know if it'll get credited to Sakho but hopefully it does."
