Valon Behrami was pleased at scoring his first goal for West Ham United - but was even more delighted that it proved to be the match-winner.
The Swiss international's left-footed drive on 20 minutes was all that was needed as a composed defensive display ensured Sunderland could find no way past Robert Green on Sunday. Behrami said: "I was happy to score against Sunderland but I am very happy for the win away from home. We have to improve a lot of things but this is the right way and we want to continue in this way."
Behrami, who has proved to be an astute summer signing from Lazio, could have added a second when he hit the crossbar from five yards just before half time after Craig Bellamy had rounded the goalkeeper, but in the end had to settle for just the one. "It was perfect for me - scoring my first goal for West Ham and the team winning. But it would have been more perfect if I had scored the second goal.
"For me to score two goals in a game would be crazy, it has not ever happened in football before! I missed the chance and it was difficult because then Sunderland were pushing a lot, but for us to win this game was important."
The 23-year-old celebrated his maiden strike by running straight to share the euphoria with manager Gianfranco Zola. He explained: "It had been a difficult moment for everybody. The manager takes all the responsibility every game and it is good to celebrate with him because we knew, after seven games when we didn't win, it is difficult for everybody and difficult for him. It was a moment that I wanted to celebrate with him."