LONDON, Nov 24: West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola admitted he had breathed a sigh of relief after Valon Behrami’s goal ended a run of seven matches without a win in the English Premier League on Sunday.

Swiss international Behrami struck in the first half at Sunderland and the Hammers held for a 1-0 victory that moved them away from the relegation zone.

But the visitors had to defend for long periods on a day when Sunderland were once again punished for failing to take their chances.

Behrami’s winner came somewhat against the run of play as Sunderland dominated the first half, but failed to make the most of their chances.

Sunderland created opportunities in the opening 45 minutes, but failed to take any of them with Djibril Cisse passing up a series of chances, and as their desperation grew after the break, they ran out of ideas.

Results:

Played on Sunday:

Sunderland 0 West Ham United 1

Tottenham Hotspur 1 Blackburn Rovers 0 —Agencies