West Ham United rose to seventh in the Premier League by seeing off rock-bottom Queens Park Rangers in the final match before the upcoming two-week international break.
Rangers, who remain without a point on the road this season, couldn't have got off to a much worse start as they conceded inside five minutes when Nedum Onuoha inadvertently turned into his own net from close range.
The Hammers doubled their lead just before the hour mark when Diafra Sakho scored his fifth goal in five starts with a close-range header.
Below, Sports Mole casts an analytical eye over the match between two teams from opposite sides of the capital.
Match statistics
West Ham
Shots: 11
On target: 3
Possession: 48%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 10
QPR
Shots: 10
On target: 3
Possession: 52%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 11
Was the result fair?
Even though West Ham didn't do much exciting, they were the more threatening for most of the game and it's hard to argue that QPR deserved anything at all. The above stats might suggest that a draw would have been a fair result, but QPR didn't really create enough clear-cut openings.
West Ham's performance
A welcome second win of the season at home for the Hammers, who just about did enough to get the three points. They were lucky to not have their first goal chalked off as the ball did strike Enner Valencia on the hand before it hit Onuoha and rolled in.
If you had to pick out one area where the hosts particularly impressed, you would credit the likes of Stewart Downing and Mauro Zarate for being the most creative sparks in an otherwise tepid performance. Energetic duo Sakho and Valencia continue to do well up front together and are certainly a handful.
QPR's performance
Another defeat on the road for Rangers and Harry Redknapp must be getting really worried with their lack of goals away from home. They've scored just once in four games on their travels and only had a couple of decent chances today.
After his superb goal at Southampton last time out, Charlie Austin spurned their best opportunity early in the second half and looked isolated for much of the game. They were a little unlucky to fall behind but then defended poorly to allow the second goal in.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Mauro Zarate: If you had to pick out one player in particular it would be Zarate, who, especially in the first half, was neat in possession and showed off his tricky feet on several occasions.
Biggest gaffe
West Ham should have scored a third goal in the dying moments, but substitute Kevin Nolan sidefooted straight at Robert Green from Stewart Downing's cutback.
Referee performance
If you ignore missing the Valencia handball, Anthony Taylor had a decent game with the whistle. However, that decision gave West Ham the early advantage and made it an uphill struggle for QPR right from the off.
What next?
West Ham: The Hammers will fancy winning their third game in four when they travel to winless Burnley after the international break on Saturday, October 18.
QPR: Rangers are back at home in a couple of weeks, but face a tough test as Liverpool visit Loftus Road.
