Solano switch works for Curbs

Hammers boss happy to be proved right

By Rob Parrish   Last updated: 22nd October 2007

Nolberto Solano

Solano: Key contribution

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Alan Curbishley was happy to take the credit for an inspired substitution as Nolberto Solano helped West Ham to victory over Sunderland.

The West Ham manager's decision to bring on the Peruvian international was not universally welcomed at Upton Park, but Solano provided the turning point to the match with one of his first touches.

The former Newcastle player, who only flew back in from Chile on Saturday morning, rattled the post in the 77th minute with the ball coming back out and hitting unfortunate Black Cats goalkeeper Craig Gordon's legs before rolling home.

That gave the Hammers a 2-1 lead after coming under some fierce Sunderland pressure with Craig Bellamy adding a further gloss to the scoreline with a late third.

Right changes

Curbishley said: "We needed a shake-up in the second half and although I got some stick for it I think I made the right changes.

"The reason I brought him (Solano) here was just for exactly what he did.

"He has a great first touch, brings other people into the game and calms us down a bit when we need it.

"He's actually been here five weeks but four of those have been international breaks and he has only trained with us five times.

"He arrived back from Chile on Saturday morning and I thought it would be best used as a sub."

Match-winning save

Curbishley also singled out goalkeeper Robert Green, who is pushing for an England recall, for praise after he made a stunning save from Grant Leadbitter when the score was locked at 1-1.

He said: "It was a match-winning save if you like and sums up all that Greenie has done this season. England? He's certainly done himself no harm."