Yossi's Vital Draw

YOSSI Benayoun saved the day for Hammers at the Stadium of Light, scoring a 72nd minute equaliser that earned Alan Pardew's men a point against Sunderland.

It was the 25-year-old's second goal in English football after he opened his account in the 4-0 thrashing of Aston Villa.

But the Israel star insisted that his strike against the Black Cats was just as pleasing given the circumstances.

"I was very pleased to score my second goal for the Club," he said, "but even more delighted that we managed to come away with a draw.

"It was a really tough game. Sunderland played very well and we did not have our best game. But it was important that we didn't lose and a draw is a good result for us to keep our run going.

"Sunderland worked very hard and we had to fight our way back into the game.

"When you are only 1-0 down you always have a chance to get back into the game, and we never stopped trying. Thankfully we got our reward with the equaliser and managed to hold on.

"It was vital that we kept our run of results going and not losing at Sunderland was very important for the Club. It keeps our confidence high and when you don't play well it is important that you do not lose.

"The fact that we did that at Sunderland is very encouraging, but we will be determined to play better in our next game."

A combination of flick-ons from Marlon Harewood and Bobby Zamora put Yossi clear of the Sunderland defence and the midfielder made no mistake, firing past Kelvin Davis to the delight of Hammers army of travelling supporters.

"The fans were excellent again at Sunderland," he said. "Home and away they give the team great support and it is a huge part of the Club.

"It is a long trip for them to Sunderland and we were pleased to give them something to cheer."